Located in the heart of Ward 1, Job Point’s headquarters is a beacon of hope. Inside these unassuming brown brick walls, there is light and warmth radiating through the halls. Job Point’s headquarters at 400 Wilkes Boulevard has been the backdrop for so many transformations – from veterans working through their visible and hidden barriers to young adults who are trying so hard to find their way in this world – lives are being changed here every day.
During early efforts to purchase our headquarters, Veterans United Foundation graciously donated an initial $100,000 in 2018. With their unbelievable gift of $500,000 in March of 2021, we are that much closer to owning our building outright.
“We are so pleased to be able to help our dear friends at Job Point in this way,” Erika Pryor, Veterans United Foundation Manager, said. “The impact that Job Point has had on the Columbia community is real and very meaningful, as they have changed the life course for countless individuals and their families over the years. One of the core values we operate on is to enhance lives daily, and that matches perfectly with Job Point, and it’s exactly why we take such pride in this wonderful partnership.”
On Thursday, June 3, Job Point staff and clients will come together with staff from Veterans United Home Loans and the Columbia Chamber of Commerce for a ribbon cutting and celebration kicking off at 11:30 am. We will also be celebrating the launch of Job Point’s brand-new website by Elevato Digital, formerly Delta Systems, who graciously donated the development of the new site. Guests will be invited to stay for barbecue and a tour of the building.
“To say we are grateful for this partnership and this gift is an understatement. This gift and what it makes possible will allow us to devote more resources annually to training and educating those we serve. It will ultimately allow for more people in our community to become self-reliant, raising the standard of living for themselves and those who rely upon them,” Steve Smith, Job Point CEO, said.
“For Job Point, serving people in our community is our utmost privilege. We have the great honor of helping people not only find employment, but meaning and purpose in their lives. Our services help to change the lives of the individuals we support directly and have the potential of changing the trajectory of generations to come.”
“We grateful to the employees at Veterans United Home Loans and the Veterans United Foundation for the incredible role they have chosen to play in changing lives through this investment in Job Point and our community,” Smith said.
Job Point is proud of and thankful for our longstanding partnership with Veterans United Home Loans and the Veterans United Foundation that extends well beyond financial support. This partnership has had a tremendous impact on Job Point over the past ten years.
Through board service, Veterans United employees have helped guide the growth of our organization where they have been instrumental in our continued success.
During the start of the pandemic, through CoMoHelps, Veterans United played a huge role in equipping our team with the resources we needed to keep everyone safe.
Our YouthBuild and carpentry students are currently working on a ramp for a family in our community allowing them to remain safely in their own home. This project was referred to us through Veterans United, which has graciously donated the supplies while our students provide the labor.
We are constantly humbled by the Veteran United Foundation’s commitment to supporting this community – whether it’s enhancing the life of a single person with what seems like a small project or supporting a big campaign that will impact thousands of people for many years to come,” Steve Smith, President and CEO of Job Point, said.
This gift comes as part of a year-long celebration of ten years of impact by the Veterans United Foundation and the employees who contribute and serve their community.
About Job Point
Job Point is Missouri’s premier employment center and Community Development Corporation. Since 1965, we have been linking people and jobs by providing career planning and job placement assistance. We specialize in preparing individuals to enter the workforce, while meeting a critical need of the business community. The organization is headquartered in Columbia, Missouri, with services extending to Moberly, Boonville and the surrounding communities. Since 2003, Job Point’s YouthBuild program has helped over 1,100 youth and young adults reclaim their education and build the skills they need for life-long learning, leadership and personal and professional success.
