christianhelp

Finding Direction in a New City

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 17:54:33 GMT

When Aisha moved to Orlando at the start of 2025 to begin her master’s program in Counselor Education at the University of Central Florida, she carried both excitement and uncertainty. She was stepping into a new city, a new academic journey, and a new chapter of her life. But with that came a challenge she hadn’t expected to feel so deeply: finding a job that aligned with her career goals while still fitting her demanding graduate school schedule.

With no local connections and limited resources, the job search quickly became overwhelming. While browsing the CFEC job fair website, she discovered our Employment Services. She wasn’t ready to attend a job fair alone yet, navigating a new city was stressful enough, but she took a brave step and reached out for support.

From her very first visit, everything shifted. Aisha remembers feeling relieved, finally, she had direction. She had someone in her corner.

She was given the encouragement, clarity, and practical tools she needed to navigate the job search with confidence. For the first time since moving, she didn’t feel lost. She didn’t feel alone. She felt supported.

Through coaching, resources, and guidance, Aisha gained a clearer understanding of how to pursue opportunities that aligned with her long-term goals in mental health counseling. More importantly, she regained confidence in her ability to build a future in her new city.

Reflecting on her journey, she shares this advice for others in similar situations, “Don’t be afraid to reach out for help. There are organizations like Christian HELP that will support you. Asking for guidance can open doors you didn’t know were there.”

When asked what Christian HELP did for her, Aisha’s answer is simple but powerful: “They gave me reassurance and support during a stressful time.”

Her story is a reminder that sometimes the most meaningful help isn’t just about finding a job, it’s about finding hope, direction, and the courage to keep moving forward.

Moving Forward With Hope

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 19:53:29 GMT

When Laurie first came to Christian HELP, she carried the weight of months of discouragement. She had been searching for work on her own, feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn next. The CFEC job fair, where she first heard about Christian HELP, felt like a small spark of possibility. She decided to reach out to our Employment Services, hoping for guidance, encouragement, and a fresh start.

From her very first visit, something shifted. Laurie left that day feeling lighter, motivated, and genuinely hopeful for the first time in a long while. She met with her Career Coach, whose kindness and steady encouragement made all the difference. Together, they strengthened Laurie’s résumé, sharpened her job‑search skills, and rebuilt the confidence she had lost along the way.

But what touched Laurie most deeply were the prayers. After every session, her Career Coach prayed with her, offering peace, strength, and a reminder that she wasn’t walking this journey alone. Those moments gave Laurie the courage to keep going, even on the days when doubt crept back in.

As the weeks passed, Laurie began to see herself differently. She felt capable again. She felt hopeful again. And she felt ready to pursue the opportunities she once thought were out of reach. The support she received didn’t just improve her job‑search skills, it renewed her belief in her own potential.

Today, Laurie continues moving forward with confidence. She encourages others who feel stuck to reach out for help, reminding them that they don’t have to navigate the job search alone. “Never give up,” she says. “Stay hopeful, believe in yourself, and take advantage of the support Christian HELP and CFEC offers.”

When asked what Christian HELP did for her, Laurie didn’t hesitate: “They gave me hope. They encouraged me when I needed it most. And they reminded me that I wasn’t facing my challenges alone.”

From First Job Search to First Job Success

Sat, 11 Jul 2026 15:00:30 GMT

When we met Sara and her son, Elijah, at the CFEC Seminole County Hiring Event, they were determined to find opportunities for Elijah's first job. Like many young job seekers, Elijah had been searching for employment but was struggling to secure interviews and gain traction in his job search.

Sara played an important role in supporting and encouraging her son throughout the process. At the hiring event, our team spent time with Elijah, providing guidance on how to navigate the event, approach employers, and identify companies that are aligned with his interests and goals.

One of those employer connections was with Longwood Auto Auction. After speaking with their representatives, Elijah earned an interview opportunity. To help him prepare, Elijah was connected with one of Christian HELP's career coaches the day before his interview. Together, they reviewed interview techniques, discussed common questions, and built his confidence for the big day.

We're excited to share that Elijah successfully landed the job!

His journey highlights the power of combining employer connections through the CFEC Hiring Event with personalized coaching and support from Christian HELP. What began as a search for a first job became a success story of preparation, perseverance, and community support.

Congratulations to Elijah on this exciting milestone and thank you to Sara for trusting us to be part of his employment journey. We look forward to seeing all that he accomplishes in his new role.

From Bootcamp to Breakthrough

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 19:00:05 GMT

Dennis is a bright, articulate, 27-year-old Fiber Optic Cable Installer/Trouble Shooter and recent Cybersecurity Bootcamp alumni. Dennis graduated with a strong desire to break into the IT world.

When Dennis arrived at Christian HELP in January, he was determined to take his career to the next level. Together with a Career Coach, he focused on tailoring his resumes and cover letters to the key words in the job description for each role he applied for. He began using quantifiable results in the descriptions of his past job duties. Next, he devised a powerful and memorable Elevator Speech. Dennis quickly learned it's all about Networking and Follow-up. Several rounds of Mock Interviewing then commenced to sharpen those skills.

Dennis put those skills into action at multiple CFEC Job Fairs and an in-house job fair for a large Cybersecurity firm. He even advanced through several intense rounds of interviews, including a 3-hour technical assessment and job shadowing experience. Whew!

Competition was fierce for those entry level slots. Unfortunately, Dennis was not selected. However, a friend working there gave him some additional expert tips on how to launch a Tech career with that organization in the very near future.

Dennis then remembered he had interviewed for a role back in Dec. 2025 and never received an answer. Instead of waiting, he took initiative. Convicted by the Holy Spirit, he visited that employer in-person and handed out his resume. The result?

Dennis was hired on the spot as an AV Specialist II with a High End Commercial and Residential contracting company! He's earning a higher wage there, too! Networking and Follow-Up are truly the difference maker. Sometimes one bold step can open the right door!

A Second Chance and Second Beginning

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 15:01:10 GMT

After years of experience as a technical writer with a college degree to her name, Margaret never imagined she would find herself struggling to land a job. But the search dragged on: applications sent, interviews hoped for, and silence in return.

She had heard of Christian HELP for years, and when the organization expanded its professional career coaching services, she decided it was time to reach out. "I contacted them because of their reputation," she recalls. That first visit changed everything.

"I left feeling greatly encouraged and relieved," she says. Working alongside her career coach, Pauline, she refined her résumé, strengthened her LinkedIn profile, and sharpened her job search skills. But beyond the practical tools, she found something she hadn't expected - a sense of community.

"In light of the fact that my family is largely gone, having this caring community has meant the world to me."

With renewed confidence and support, Margaret kept moving forward. Her perseverance paid off. A former employer came calling and Margaret got the job. When she heard the news, her words said it all: "I DID get the job. I can't tell you how relieved I am!"

To others who may find themselves in a similar season of uncertainty, she offers simple, heartfelt advice: "Sign up, attend job fairs, go to the Coaching sessions, and follow through with what your coach is telling you."

Tracy's Story of Encouragement

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 15:24:30 GMT

When Tracy first came to Christian HELP, she carried a quiet uncertainty. After moving to the United States nearly a decade ago and dedicating years to raising her family, she found herself in a new season of life. Her son was grown, her time freed up, and deep in her heart, she knew she was ready for something more.

Despite having over 16 years of executive administrative experience, Tracy faced discouragement. After months of applying to jobs online with little response, she began to wonder: Was it the employment gap? Her age? Had the workforce changed too much?

But Tracy didn’t give up and she didn’t have to walk the journey alone.

Through Christian HELP Career Coaching, Tracy began rebuilding her confidence step by step:

Reframing her elevator pitch
Refining her resume with measurable impact
Learning how to tailor her cover letter
Strengthening her LinkedIn presence and professional network

More than that, she found encouragement, guidance, and prayer, reminders that her experience still held value, and her story was not finished.

When Tracy learned that these services were made possible through generous donors, she was deeply moved. She understood just how costly this kind of support can be and couldn’t believe it was being given freely, out of love for people like her.

And after a month of working with her coach, Tracy found the job!

She is now stepping into a new role at a local elementary school in Maitland, serving part-time and reentering the workforce with confidence and joy.

What once felt uncertain is now filled with purpose.

Jonah's Story of Patience & Persistence

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 22:38:59 GMT

Jonah is a 24-year-old recent midwestern College Grad and new resident to Orlando. Jonah landed at Christian HELP in mid-January after applying for 50+ roles in the Industrial Engineering field with few positive results. He privately "pined" to work in a university setting in some capacity.

With Christian HELP's guidance, Jonah immediately revamped his resume, refined his Networking skills and enthusiastically participated in as many job fairs as one man possibly can.

Ironically, it was at one of the CFEC events that Jonah engaged a recruiter from a local university in a lengthy conversation. Jonah learned there were no roles available for him at that time. However, an Admissions Specialist II position would be opening soon. They were scouting to hire a young, recent grad with positivity and charisma who their students could truly identify with.

Strongly encouraged after that interaction, Jonah scoured his Linked In connections for those he personally knew who were employed at the school. Turns out, Jonah had a former classmate now working there. He broadcasted Jonah's resume to the proper parties as soon as the job was officially posted.

The rest of the story? Jonah interviewed twice for the Admission Specialist II role and was offered the job! Is God good or what? Jonah started in his new position in late April and loves it! Patience and persistence bears fruit and for a good reason! (See John 15.8)

Christian HELP names Britt Johnson as New Executive Director

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 22:46:15 GMT

The Board of Christian HELP is thrilled to announce the appointment of Britt Johnson as our next Executive Director—a leader whose heart for service and vision for impact will guide us into a bold new chapter.

Christian HELP Foundation Inc. is the parent company of the Central Florida Employment Connections CFEC, and it is also known as Christian HELP Employment and Resource Center.

Britt has been a steadfast advocate for our mission, bringing vision, compassion, and strong leadership to every endeavor he undertakes within the ministry. Beginning his journey as a volunteer, Britt continued to rise through the ranks, making significant impact on our mission and the families we serve.

His leadership has already earned community recognition including:

Seminole State College Alumni Excellence Honoree (2025)
Heart of Florida United Way Emerging Leader Impact Award (2025)
Leadership Seminole Class 34 (2025)
Completion of his Master's in Non-Profit Management from the University of Central Florida (2025).

These achievements reflect not only his commitment to excellence but his deep belief in transforming lives

through faith, dignity and hope.

As we look toward the future, Britt will lead Christian HELP with a clear outward focus:

Expanding our reach beyond Seminole County to serve families in Orange County and beyond.
Strengthening employment services to empower individuals with meaningful work and renewed dignity.
Ensuring families in need experience hope, practical resources, and the love of Christ through every
touchpoint of our ministry.

We are confident that under Britt’s leadership, Christian HELP will not only sustain its impact but also grow

into an even greater resource for our community. Together, with your partnership, we remain committed to

helping people find meaningful work, providing material and spiritual resources, and sharing Christ’s love

throughout Central Florida.

"I am deeply honored to step into the role of Executive Director at Christian HELP and continue advancing

our mission of preventing homelessness. Together with our incredible team and community partners, we will

expand our reach and create even greater opportunities for families to thrive. I look forward to leading with

vision and compassion as we share Christ’s love and make a lasting impact across Central Florida."

—Britt Johnson

Please join us in celebrating Britt’s appointment and in praying for his success as he guides us into this

exciting new chapter of Christian HELP’s life.

Anna's Story: A Nursing Dream

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 17:38:40 GMT

Anna was referred to us by E.S.T.H.E.R. Single Mothers Outreach after moving to Florida from Puerto Rico. She is a single mom to two children ages 3 and 12.

In Puerto Rico, Anna was a nurse and loved it, but due to the challenges of getting licensed in the United States, she has had to look at alternative opportunities for income. Determined to assist her, we got to work searching for avenues that would help Anna find work, but it didn’t take long before an answer revealed itself.

Miraculously, right after Anna's initial appointment, Christian HELP received a phone call from an individual looking for a bilingual caregiver with a healthcare background. The position offered a ten-month contract, coinciding with the school year for Anna’s children. Christian HELP wasted no time in connecting Anna with this opportunity and she got the job!

Though it is not the final destination in her career journey, it will provide Anna with income while she pursues the licenses/certifications she needs to ultimately become a Behavioral Nurse.

Christian HELP will continue to follow up with Anna and encourage her to keep reaching for her dream of being a nurse in Florida and assist however we can.

Keisha's Story: Networking For Good

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 19:08:22 GMT

Keisha believed in the power of networking and decided to reach out to Christian HELP as she was aware of its extensive network.

In February of this year, Keisha, a bright and capable individual, found herself facing an unexpected twist in her career journey – 2 months into her new job she was laid off. She immediately began working with an Indeed Recruiter to navigate the challenging job market. However, Keisha believed in the power of networking and decided to reach out to Christian HELP as well, as she was aware of its extensive network. Smart move, Keisha!

Keisha’s career aspirations were clear: she was eager to secure an office manager position and was open to exploring other opportunities. Christian HELP recognized Keisha’s determination and potential and ensured she was provided with resources for her other needs so that she could focus on her job search journey with her Career Coach.

Part of those resources were the offer of Christian HELP’s grocery assistance and a referral to Hope Helps in Oviedo for financial coaching. Hope Helps not only provided Keisha with one-on-one financial coaching but also extended a helping hand by offering Rental Assistance. Empowered by their support, Keisha worked closely with her career coach, diligently pursuing job applications with unwavering dedication.

As the days turned into weeks, Keisha's relentless efforts began to bear fruit. At the beginning of April, Keisha’s Career Coach received exciting news: Keisha had landed a job! And so, with perseverance, support, and networking help, Keisha's story serves as a testament to the power of resilience and community. Cheers to Keisha's new chapter and the bright opportunities that lie ahead!

Client Story: Food For The Soul

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 19:16:22 GMT

True relationships, like the ones they build here on Mondays, manifest themselves in caring that goes beyond food orders.

Our Seniors program on Mondays is more than just a way for seniors in need to get the food that makes the difference between living at home and life on the streets. Since our seniors have no way to make extra money, we offer a Pantry program that provides food for them every 2 weeks on a long-term basis. That program longevity allows relationships to form between the participants, staff, and volunteers. True relationships like the ones they build here on Mondays manifest themselves in caring that goes beyond food orders.

Each Monday, various groups of seniors come early to catch up with each other’s’ lives while they wait to receive their bi-weekly pantry orders. This morning, a couple of seniors told us that they were worried about one lady that used to come early Monday morning. Jeannette called the missing senior to see how she was doing and if everything was okay. She mentioned that the other seniors were concerned for her welfare, as were we. So often, people past a certain age become invisible, living lives of solitude and quiet fear.

Our senior was touched that her absence was noted, and that Jeannette would take the time to call and to care for her well-being. She shared that her husband passed away and the homeowner where they rented asked her to leave the house because he was going to sell it. Her brother in New York City recently bought her a plane ticket to be with him in her time of need. She is going there tomorrow, hoping to come back. She may or may not be able to return, but at least she knows she will be missed. This is the beauty of doing things in relationship. Caring leads to a life being touched with more than just food. How beautiful.

- Jeannette Persichetti & Tracy Trimblett

Eglin's Story: To Serve & Be Served

Thu, 08 May 2025 19:29:06 GMT

Eglin lost an $80,000 a year job and had a family in need.

Eglin was a veteran who served our country and was now looking for work. He was a Captain in the Air Force had been a Squadron Officer. He had also just lost an $80,000/year job and had a family to feed.

Eglin had extensive experience as a program manager and a solid resume but was growing frustrated in his search. He was starting to lower his standards and income expectations for an acceptable position and struggling with what to do next. Eglin turned to Christian HELP seeking a good job to provide for his family. We were honored to partner with this veteran as he sought to get his life back on track.

We paired Eglin with Jeff, one of our care managers. Jeff and Eglin worked together, polishing and updating Eglin's resume. They also developed Eglin's sales pitch and his job search plan. Jeff also set up Eglin in our grocery services. Eglin and his family would be eligible to receive boxes of fresh food every two weeks from the pantry.

Jeff and Eglin worked closely together for several more months. Jeff got Eglin focused, organized, and provided emotional support as Eglin started to get discouraged. Jeff also helped expand Eglin's circle of research for jobs, suggesting alternative locations to look for work. With this expanded search, Eglin would soon land a couple of interviews for a job in his field. One of these interviews turned into a job as a full-time temporary project manager, which Eglin hoped would turn into a permanent position.

It did not.

Eglin came back to Christian HELP, determined to find work. Jeff and Eglin updated his resume. Eglin resumed receiving food pantry benefits. Jeff encouraged Eglin to pursue services for our veterans as well as looking for civilian jobs serving the military. They updated his job search plan. Eglin also expanded his networking circle, soon landing a phone interview with a former boss. In preparation for the interview, Jeff and Eglin strategized over responses and interviewing tactics.

Success!

After nearly a year of working together, Eglin reported to Jeff that he had found a job, in his field, making more money than the original job he had lost! Eglin was thrilled that the rollercoaster ride of finding a new job was over, and grateful for all that Christian HELP was able to do for him and his family over an extended period of struggle.

"Success!"

Yolette's Story: Win-Win

Thu, 02 Jan 2025 19:21:19 GMT

Yolette came to one of the first Central Florida Employment Council job fairs after the pandemic restrictions were lifted. She met Paulette, our job fair director, while at the event. Paulette saw Yolette’s potential and quickly connected her with Kim, one of our volunteer Care Managers.

“Yolette had been applying for jobs but was a little shy about using certain job search platforms. She wasn’t sure how to navigate them to her advantage.” Yolette had also been sending out resumes, but not getting responses. She was getting frustrated.

Together, Kim and Yolette updated her resume and refined her approach to searching for a job. They also worked on her interviewing skills. She learned to target companies she was interested in. One of those companies happened to be Community Health Centers, which had just become a cfec.org Preferred Employer Partner. They also had an opening in the field that Yolette was looking for. Yolette submitted her updated resume and applied for the job.

She would get an interview, and soon after, a job!

“I am so grateful for Paulette and Kim. They were both so helpful and really took an interest in helping me. It was nice to know that they cared enough about me as an individual to work together for me. I am thrilled with my new job and grateful to God for the team at Christian HELP.”

Yolette is back in the workforce and a Christian HELP business partner filled a position. This win-win happened because of you, our generous donor. We are grateful for your support.

So is Yolette.

Lili's Story: It Was Not Easy

Thu, 07 Jul 2022 19:51:41 GMT

When Lili first came to Christian HELP, she was working numerous part-time jobs and operating her own home cleaning business to provide for her and her school-aged children. Her husband had abandoned her and their children. He’d left the country and was not providing any financial support. Lili told us that "it was overwhelming to face my challenging life, and with an autistic child. I had to stay strong, be positive and stay focused. It was not easy."

Lili has a Master's degree from an international university, but did not have a good resume. She came to Christian HELP looking for assistance with writing a resume and finding work.

She was paired up with one of our care managers, Jeff, and a new resume was created. Jeff also worked with Lili on her networking skills and other job search tactics that she desperately needed.

The Christian HELP Grocery Services was made available to Lili to ensure her children did not go hungry and that she did not have to use what little money she had to buy groceries. There she was able to get meat, bread, fruit, vegetables and so much more. 

When Lili was “interview ready”, we saw to it that she had appropriate attire for interviews and for work. It took some time, but Lili was persistent, patient and prayerful. 
 
Jeff says that she was committed to finding a solid job to support herself, and that she did! 

Lili recently notified Jeff that she found a permanent full-time position with a hotel management company as
an acquisition specialist. She is so excited for the job and the career possibilities it opens up.

 
Lili told Jeff, “Now I can take care of my family and I am grateful for all Christian HELP did to get me back on my feet. The heart of serving and glorifying God shines at Christian HELP. I received so much support mentally and spiritually. I can never thank
 Christian HELP enough for all their support."

" The heart of serving and glorifying God shines at Christian HELP. I received so much support mentally and spiritually. I can never thank Christian HELP enough for all their support."

Evelyn's Story: Fresh Start

Wed, 06 Jan 2021 19:36:09 GMT

Let go after 15 years of employment, Evelyn was nervous about losing everything.

Evelyn came to Christian HELP in November 2020. She had worked in Human Resources for 15 years, but was let go due the circumstances surrounding COVID-19. After having worked so hard for so long, Evelyn eventually had her house enter into forbearance after being let go. She worried about losing her home and with her only getting older, she was anxious that her age would affect her job prospects. Worries aside, Evelyn knew she had to get help to keep from losing everything. That's what brought her to Christian HELP in November.

Evelyn met virtually with her Care Manager, Galaxina. With all the worries Evelyn had, Galaxina was able to work with her
&start to put her mind at ease.

Galaxina did a terrific job of building up Evelyn's confidence. They practiced mock interviews, which was a huge help as employers have shifted into virtual interviews through Zoom, Teams, etc. Despite not being in school, Evelyn also got "homework" from her Care Manager! Evelyn worked on her elevator pitch, which focused on her presenting herself to employers in a concise, focused manner.

After Evelyn worked diligently with Galaxina, all the time & effort she put in paid off! Evelyn got a new job with Advent Health in February! She was able to use the skills she acquired from her Care Manager appointments and gain employment, despite all her initial worries. The best part is, Evelyn also got the salary she needed to pay her bills & keep her home.

Congrats Evelyn! We're proud of you, our Care Management team, and the donors that make these success stories possible