restoring dignity through work-the beginning of Job Connection Program
Directional Team Members of Job Connection Program
Top Row: Trent Vassberg, Joe Batir, Roger Luca, Robert Monroy, Wes Gill, Ryan Prouse
Bottom Row: Ali Batir, Alyssa Bowyer, Casey Ansbro, Marissa Wagner
As we have shared previously, we are celebrating our first five years as an organization! This is another behind the scenes story specifically focusing on how the Job Connection Program began.
Restoring Dignity Through Work: The Story of the Job Connection Program
Across Dallas, lives are being changed as men and women rediscover the dignity, value, and purpose found in work. Through Watermark CDC’s vocational training and employment initiatives, individuals are not only finding jobs—they’re embracing a biblical view of work as part of God’s good design.
From the very beginning, God created humanity to cultivate, build, and steward His creation. Before sin ever entered the world, work was established as a way to honor God, contribute to creation, and bless others. Every person is uniquely designed with skills, experiences, and talents intended to bring value and reflect His glory. When those gifts go unused, it’s easy to feel unseen and lesser than. However, when people are empowered to work as God intended, they experience both dignity and purpose leading to flourishing.
This understanding of work has shaped everything Watermark CDC does in this focus area. Through initiatives like the Job Connection Program (JCP), neighbors learn not only how to find jobs but how to thrive in them—developing the foundational work skills and career competencies to grow personally and professionally.
Responding to Crisis
The seeds of JCP were planted during one of the most challenging seasons our city has faced. In 2020, as COVID-19 swept through Dallas, about 65% of individuals we were working with in South Dallas lost their jobs. Many were essential and frontline workers in hospitality, food service, and other day-to-day roles that kept our economy moving. Our neighbors began coming week after week to our food distribution efforts, trying to make ends meet as they faced uncertainty and fear.
It was clear Watermark CDC needed to respond—not only with relief but with a pathway toward empowerment. Our community desired skills in dependability, work ethic, communication, and conflict resolution, all grounded in a biblical understanding of why these skills matter and how God’s Word speaks to them.
But just as important, we recognized that this work would require collaboration and partnership. Local businesses, employers, and organizations needed to come alongside our neighbors, providing real opportunities to step back into the workforce. We believe work was never a punishment or a product of the fall—it was part of God’s design from the very beginning. Every neighbor has God-given gifts, skills, and talents meant to be used for His purposes, bringing glimpses of His Kingdom “on earth as it is in heaven”.
God’s Provision in Motion
As the vision for Job Connection Program began to take shape, Watermark CDC knew we needed the right leader to bring it to life. Recognizing the importance of this role—only our second staff position ever—our team launched a careful and prayerful hiring process, interviewing multiple candidates who seemed well-qualified. After several interviews, we believed we found the right person. We decided to pause and spend the weekend praying for God’s confirmation. That Saturday morning, in a quiet moment of solitude before his family woke up, Executive Director Carson Smith sensed God speaking clearly: “It’s not the guy I have for the role—I want you to connect with Robert.” Confused but obedient, Carson asked, “God, who is Robert?” In that moment, it became clear that God had someone else in mind—a divine redirection that would soon lead to the person perfectly suited to lead the newly forming Job Connection Program.
A previous Skyline High School graduate with a ten year background in training and teaching, Robert was perfectly suited for the role. Under his leadership, the Job Connection Program began with small cohorts of neighbors referred by local churches, nonprofits, and community organizations. Each group gathered to learn practical job readiness skills while rediscovering God’s vision for work and purpose. Not long after Robert joined the team, Lydia Broadus was hired, another incredible addition, bringing expertise and workforce development, training facilitation, and relational discipleship.
Building Dignity, Development, and Discipleship
From those humble beginnings, the program quickly expanded. Neighbors not only received training but also job placement support and follow-up mentorship. Very quickly, there was incredible fruit—lives being transformed in countless ways as God’s design for work was lifted high and honored. Neighbors began experiencing dignity as image-bearers of God and discovering development by using their skills to create value and opportunities for themselves and others.
Now, Job Connection Program offers two dynamic pathways to equip neighbors for long-term success. Through the Work Foundations Pathway, neighbors gain essential job readiness skills rooted in biblical principles—learning practical tools like resume writing, interview preparation, and professional communication to pursue purpose-driven employment.
After neighbors complete the Work Foundations Pathway, they are able to engage in Career Coaching Pathway which provides personalized one-on-one support, helping each neighbor identify next steps toward career development. This builds on that foundation with personalized, faith-based guidance. In one-on-one sessions, participants receive tailored support in goal setting, job search strategies, and skills development, empowering neighbors to take confident steps toward meaningful and sustainable careers.
Removing and Overcoming Barriers
From the beginning, Job Connection Program (JCP) has been designed to do more than help people find jobs. It’s about helping families build their futures. The program empowers individuals and families by providing employment, training, and discipleship opportunities that address some of the most common barriers to meaningful work:
• Lack of transportation
• Limited education
• Challenges for justice-involved individuals
To date, over 160 job placements have been made and more than 104 workshops completed, with those numbers continuing to rise through current ongoing coaching and workshop sessions.
“The planning and ramp up period of the Job Connection Program was an exciting time. We weren't sure what God had in mind, but under the leadership of Robert and the CDC, we were faithful to the vision of establishing the JCP ministry at the Watermark South Dallas campus. Learning from the team at the Chalmers Center was also very helpful and inspiring as we worked to ensure that we would meet the needs of the participants of the JCP in a manner that reflected God's love. It's been awesome to see how God has used the JCP to help others,” said volunteer, Dale Flowers.
A True Community Effort
The impact of JCP has always been driven by community. Volunteer coaches, local employers, and bank partners have invested time and expertise, reviewing resumes, teaching workshops, conducting mock interviews, and offering encouragement every step of the way.
“My first night volunteering was toward the end of the first ever cohort,” shared volunteer Ali Batir. “There are so many things that I love about JCP. Teaching tangible useful skills, seeing God’s heart for people on the margins, seeing the Gospel transform lives… but my favorite part is watching glimpses of the Kingdom of God in the relationships being built through every cohort.”
These moments—neighbors encouraging one another in faith and perseverance—have become the heart of JCP.
Lasting Transformation
Today, the impact of JCP is visible across Dallas: transformed lives, renewed confidence, and a city strengthened by men and women working with purpose. Each job placement represents more than a paycheck—it’s a story of redemption, stewardship, and faith lived out through work.
“Being a part of JCP has been both eye-opening and heart-changing,” said volunteer, Casey Monroy. “Witnessing people overcome significant barriers to employment in Jesus’ name is nothing short of seeing miracles in the making. JCP helped me align my view of work and people with God’s heart. Through Scripture, teaching, and connection, Jesus has healed my twisted heart.”
What began as a crisis response during the pandemic has grown into a citywide movement of restoration and renewal. As Watermark CDC continues to grow, the mission remains the same: to transform the economic welfare of our community by helping people discover God’s design for work, restored dignity, and lasting opportunity.