Navigating a job search doesn’t have to feel like you’re falling into an abyss when your lifeline is tethered to JCCC’s job club. Dubbed by members as “The Mothership” of metro-area job clubs, JCCC hosts between 35 to 50 members a job club from 2 - 4 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday, 51 weeks a year.

Raw monetary numbers can’t be placed on the valuable networking and renewed optimism that’s connected to being a member of this popular club, led by Laura Johannesmeyer, program facilitator and career counselor. Since its inception nearly 10 years ago, millions of dollars have been earned (and spent) in the metro area by members who have found success; long-term business relationships and indispensible support are perks that are immeasurable.

Connections to individuals in local businesses have soared, including networking ties from California to New Jersey and Minnesota to Texas – even internationally. “This interconnection confirms that it’s a small world after all,” Johannesmeyer said.

Club members are coached in how to strategize a job-seeking campaign for themselves. At every meeting, each member is given an opportunity to address the group. Aside from quizzing each other about trends and information they’ve found on their job quest, members give presentations and how-to advice on using countless books and online resources available to members.

“Sometimes we would create our own projects and report back to the group, such as researching body language,” said Cherie Ziegler, former member and now human resources director at ICOP Digital in Lenexa.

“Since I've landed, I am still in touch with several who are looking, and I continue to help in any way I can,” she said. “Sharing knowledge, contacts, ideas and moral support is what it's all about.

Affectionately called the “patron saint of the jobless,” Johannesmeyer estimates approximately 60 to 70 members attend JCCC’s job club weekly.

“Laura is an exceptional and very talented person who has dedicated herself to the success of the unemployed,” said Mike Shedor, former member and now a field consultant for 7-Eleven, Inc.

At the urging of fellow job club members and Johannesmeyer, Shedor earned a LEAN Six Sigma Blackbelt at JCCC using WIA (Workforce Investment Act) funds. The certification ultimately gave him an edge over other candidates. “The hiring manager and I had a lengthy discussion over it and I wouldn’t have taken the class if it weren’t for the job club,” Shedor said.

Many job club members appreciate the candid talk about personal growth and savvy solutions that help them overcome obstacles that surface during unemployment.

“You are immediately in the midst of a group of people who instantly know what you are going through … the humility, grief and self-doubt that you are experiencing,” said Shedor.

The camaraderie within the group leads to life outside of the job search, too.

“These new friends would call or e-mail to invite me to coffee or happy hour,” said Ziegler. “Checking in with each other becomes a daily routine, not because it is on our ‘to do’ lists, but because we care about each other. Sometimes we try to talk about anything but the job search.”

For more information, contact Laura Johannesmeyer, e-mail or call 913-469-8500, ext. 4315.