In addition, there were 2,603 virtual workshops hosted and 3,824 individualized vocational plans created.
—President Russell M. Nelson, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Employment Services helps individuals who are unemployed, reentering the workforce, or looking to improve their current employment situation. Employment counselors provide both in-person services as well as virtual help for those who do not live close to a center.
Employment Support provides a variety of services to help Church members and others.
These resources can be found at Employment.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
Development counselors help people from all walks of life identify and overcome barriers to employment. Within each DI store, operations supervisors collaborate closely with development counselors to provide improved support for associates. Development counselors are also available in other selected locations that are not currently served by DI stores.
Excess clothing received at DI stores is sent to the Humanitarian Center, where it is sorted for distribution to people in need in various parts of the world.
Associates at the Humanitarian Center come from a wide range of countries and backgrounds. Many have fled from conflict, hunger, and other hardships in their home countries. They are given the opportunity to earn income as they work and attend English language classes (which are built into their workday).
In 2023, Deseret Industries (DI) celebrated its 85th anniversary. Since its inception, DI has helped individuals with barriers to employment find jobs and build a better future for themselves. Today, Deseret Industries:
DI associates work in store facilities and train with local business partners, gaining valuable retail work experience and learning work habits and other essential life skills that will enable them to succeed in an industry of their choice.
This work training program is also available to employees at Deseret Manufacturing, where associates work to produce basic wood furniture and sleep products. Associates meet regularly with an operations supervisor, who provides direction and encouragement.
The Church also offers nine Transitional Services offices in Utah, Nevada, and Arizona. At these locations, Transitional Services staff and volunteers provide support for individuals who need help integrating into their community. This could include:
Transitional Services staff help these individuals with temporary assistance by providing food, clothing, bus fare, and other necessary items. Transitional Services works closely with Employment Support and Family Services to coordinate plans to help these individuals build their long-term self-reliance.
After serving a two-year mission for the Church, Andre worked hard to get his bachelor’s degree in kinesiology. However, physical health challenges from a previous accident led to an addiction to prescription drugs. After a period of homelessness, Andre sought help at a Transitional Services office.
The staff worked with Andre to assess his situation and come up with a plan. They worked with several community organizations and local Church members to find subsidized housing. They also helped Andre join the Church’s addiction recovery program and find a job, which gave him a fresh start on life.
If you are going through a job search (or know someone who is), the Church’s Employment Services can help. At Employment Services, we have a team of experts, support groups, webinars, workshops, and other resources available to help you achieve your self-reliance goals. Click the button below to get started!