The work of Connections is one of the hundreds of ways in which Medical Mission Sisters around the world try to be a healing presence to those in need today.

The proverb, "Give a person a fish and he eats for a day; teach him how to fish and he eats for a lifetime," is lived out in the Connections program, based in New Port Richey, Florida. Founded by Sister Joan Foley in 1991, the program connects employers with those looking for work, and helps the unemployed to become more marketable. Sister Marie Schmids serves as the computer instructor and bookkeeper.

Over 1,100 unemployed people are given assistance yearly through the Connections program. Connections offers a biweekly job seminar and such services as:

- career counseling/career direction
- current job seeking/keeping skills
- interviewing skills
- computer literacy and keyboard training
- resume writing; application writing and filing
- networking and communication skills
- appropriate job leads to match employment goals

Good Connections Thrift Shoppe helps to pay some of the bills of the program, which is offered free to participants. Many new applicants come to know of the program through the Shoppe and its volunteers.

"I find it very fulfilling to be able to zero in on individual gifts and skills so that the person can use them in a way to become self-reliant," says Sister Joan. "When you help someone find a job, it's a real high. It makes a huge difference in their lives."

Sister Joan recently received the Advocacy Award from the Florida Coalition for the Homeless for her outstanding service.

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