At A Wider Circle, meeting families where they are isn’t just a phrase — it’s a philosophy that shapes how we support people every day. Our Career Support program reflects that approach by focusing not only on employment, but on the whole person: their experiences, their barriers, and their goals.

We sat down with Regina Robinson, who leads our Career Support program, to talk about how the program meets people where they are, and why this work continues to inspire her.

>> AWC Blog: This month at A Wider Circle, we’re focusing on “meeting families where they are.” How does the Career Support program approach that idea?

Regina: It starts with something simple but powerful — we ask questions and truly listen. When someone comes to us, we resist the urge to jump straight to solutions. Instead, we invite them to tell their story: What brought them here? What’s happening in their life right now? What are they hoping for?

Our clients are the experts in their own lives. Our role is to partner with them. Many people come to us because they want a job, but employment is often only one piece of the puzzle. There may be other challenges – housing, family responsibilities, confidence, transportation, or past experiences — that affect their ability to move forward. Because we take a holistic approach, we create space for those realities to be part of the conversation.

Meeting people where they are means working toward solutions that are realistic for them — not just what looks good on paper. For some, that may mean pursuing a job immediately. For others, it might mean starting with volunteering, skill-building, or confidence-building first. It’s about progress that makes sense for their life.

>> Your approach is very client-centered, but you also bring professional expertise. How do you balance listening with providing guidance?

A big part of what we do is demystify the job search process. Many of our clients have never been shown how to build a résumé, search for jobs online, or prepare for an interview. Sometimes they’ve never interviewed at all — or it’s been years since they last did. So we focus on practical support. We help them create résumés, practice interviewing, and learn how employers evaluate candidates. But just as important, we give them space to practice without pressure. They can experiment, make mistakes, and build confidence in a supportive environment.

We also share weekly job listings, hiring events, and job fairs so clients can connect directly with employers. Even if a job opportunity doesn’t work out, that experience becomes part of the learning process.

The goal is empowerment. Over time, we want clients to feel confident navigating the job search on their own.

“Job searching can be emotionally draining — it’s practically a job in itself. Without support, people can start internalizing rejection and losing confidence.”

>> Job searching can be urgent — especially for someone who needs income right away. How do you balance that urgency with the longer process of building sustainable employment?

We start by being honest and managing expectations. If someone has been out of work for a long time, of course they want results quickly. That’s completely understandable. But we also have to talk about the reality of today’s job market and the challenges many people are facing. Sometimes people are doing everything “right” and still struggling to find a job. That can be frustrating and discouraging. Our role is to walk alongside them through that process. Job searching can be emotionally draining — it’s practically a job in itself. Without support, people can start internalizing rejection and losing confidence.

That’s where A Wider Circle makes a difference. We provide consistent support, encouragement, and perspective so people don’t have to face those challenges alone.

>> For readers who may not understand why employment disparities exist, what would you want them to know?

One of the biggest factors is access to networks. Many people find jobs through connections — family members, friends, mentors, community groups, or professional networks.

Those informal pathways are incredibly powerful. But many of our clients don’t have those networks. They may not have someone they can call for advice, a role model to guide them, or a community that can open doors. When that support system doesn’t exist, it can put people at a disadvantage through no fault of their own.

In many ways, A Wider Circle becomes that network. We provide guidance, encouragement, connections to others, and a space where people can ask questions and be supported without judgment. For some clients, it’s the first time they’ve had that kind of environment.

>> Can you share a success story that stands out to you?

One client I worked with had immigrated to the United States and was navigating an entirely new culture, language, and system. On top of that, they were processing personal trauma that made it difficult to move forward professionally.

Through coaching, we spent time exploring not just employment but also their passions and strengths. Eventually, they rediscovered a creative talent they had set aside years earlier. I remember the moment they came back and said, “I went to the studio and recorded my song.”

That moment represented so much growth — confidence, courage, and self-discovery. Watching someone reconnect with their authentic self and realize they have something valuable to offer the world — that’s incredibly powerful.

Sometimes success looks like a new job. Other times it looks like someone rediscovering their voice. Yet, when someone has that, they can perform much better in the job market.

“We’re seeing that our holistic approach works. Clients tell us, the data reflects it, and we see the impact every day.”

>> Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future of the Career Support program?

I’m excited about the possibility of developing a work readiness certification program. Work readiness training isn’t new, but nonprofits like A Wider Circle have the flexibility to innovate and build programs that truly reflect the realities our clients face.

We’re seeing that our holistic approach works. Clients tell us, the data reflects it, and we see the impact every day.

Creating a certification could allow participants to demonstrate the competencies they’ve built — things like communication, professionalism, and problem-solving — while giving them something tangible they can share with employers.

For people who may not have had access to college or formal training, that kind of credential can be incredibly empowering.

>> Any final thoughts you’d like readers to know?

This work is life-giving. It’s life-giving for the people we serve, and it’s life-giving for those of us who have the privilege of doing it.

We don’t pretend to have all the answers. But we do know that when people are supported, respected, and given the opportunity to grow, incredible things can happen.

And I believe organizations like ours deserve a seat at the table in shaping the future of career development – because we see every day what truly works.

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