Sacramento State graduate students have made a connection with women and children of the St. John’s shelter.

Professor Al Levin works with graduate students in the department of career counseling. He offers a chance for students to put their career counseling skills to work.

Sac State and the St. John’s shelter for women and children have formed a connection for graduate students to intern, counseling women in the career development process.

Student intern Tinelle Evans Reno said career counseling is incredibly important. She said through career counseling she helps these women overcome barriers and help them to be self-sufficient.

“It is somewhat unusual to focus on career development instead of on psychological issues,” professor Al Levin, career specialization coordinator said.

The interns from Sac State are helping these women through not only the employment process, but also helping them with getting back into school with higher education.

Women who have not received a chance to get their high school diploma are able to take the test to receive their GED certificate.

Evans Reno said she has seen women cry after passing a GED test and said it is a huge accomplishment.

“Going to college is something to be celebrated … celebrate the small things because it is a big accomplishment to take that step,” said St. John’s employee Julie McGilvray.

McGilvray teaches a weekly job readiness class where she helps women with their resumes, cover letters and interviewing skills after they have met with the interns and have received counseling.

Women who come through the shelter are from different backgrounds and have different barriers to overcome when it comes to trying to get a job or seeking help with higher education.

“We find out what their wants and needs are … they haven’t had role models,” McGilvray said. “Many of the women come in with more than one child.”

Evans Reno said it is difficult to get a job without work experience. St. John’s places them in classes where they can build their tool kit to be more self-sufficient.

“We help them with practice interview questions, job search strategies and mock interviews,” Evans Reno said. “There is a range of experience, but many have very limited experience.”

After 30 days of being at the shelter, the women can apply to work at Plates, a restaurant owned by St. John’s where they can gain work experience.

They are also shown how they can apply for housing and other resources that can be used in the future.

Women who have completed the steps to getting back on their feet can come back up to three years to take advantage of the resources.

“I encourage Sac State students to give back and volunteer. The shelter takes donations such as clothing and shoes,” said graduate student and St. John’s intern Keturah Kirk.

McGilvray said she can’t help them all but helping just one makes her day. She said she has a lot more compassion for the women and their struggles. It gives her a great sense of accomplishment after it is all said and done.

“The role we play is a lot more then the women realize and they let us into their lives,” Evans Reno said. “It is a privilege for me to be there and make their lives better.”

Elisha Angrisani can be reached at [email protected].