Making Connections for Job-Specific Skills
When Summer Wood Alzheimer’s Memory Care Center needed a reliable, personable Concierge and Office Assistant, they turned to SkillSource for help finding the right candidate. That connection led to Maureen Callahan.
Maureen, a U.S. Army veteran, was looking to upgrade her skills and find a quality job. With support from SkillSource, she enrolled at Big Bend Community College (BBCC), aiming to build the office skills needed for a stable position where she could grow and thrive.
In June 2024, she completed her Associate’s Degree and was ready to enter the workforce full-time. Bruce Davis, a Veterans Representative with the Employment Security Department—a WorkSource partner—referred Maureen to SkillSource to explore job-specific training and employer connections. Because SkillSource supports both job seekers and businesses, Maureen was promptly introduced to Summer Wood Memory Care, who was actively seeking someone with strong clerical abilities and a warm, welcoming presence to be the face of their facility. When Business Office Manager Allison Booth met Maureen, she immediately saw the fit.
Through SkillSource’s On-the-Job Training (OJT) program, Summer Wood was able to onboard and train Maureen to develop the diverse skills required for this public-facing role. The OJT ensured that Maureen gained the specific competencies Summer Wood needed—and for Maureen, it provided hands-on experience in a professional setting, easing the transition from school to full-time work.
Allison describes Maureen as a friendly and personable employee who learns quickly, asks thoughtful questions, and helps visitors and families feel genuinely welcomed. With her bright and caring personality, paired with the skills gained through OJT, Maureen is thriving in her new role. She greets families, answers phones, and supports front office operations with professionalism and compassion.
Thanks to partnerships between SkillSource, WorkSource partners, and local employers like Summer Wood Memory Care, both businesses and strong candidates like Maureen are finding success—and our communities are stronger as a result.
