Geist Employment Networking Alliance: Reaching Out to All Job Seekers

The Geist Employment Networking Alliance (GENA) is a faith-based support group that seeks to provide resources for anyone who is unemployed or under-employed.

“One out of every ten people is either unemployed, under-employed, or has changed jobs in the last five years,” said Chris Phillips, an Insurance Advisor with City Securities Corporation. Phillips serves as a co-facilitator of GENA, along with Steve Stevens, a Financial Representative of Northwestern Mutual Financial Network.

Although GENA was founded by Mark Riley, a Holy Spirit parishioner, in 2001, Phillips and Stevens have taken over in providing direction, leadership and promise for this group since 2003. Stevens adds, “Being unemployed can be a traumatic experience. GENA is a place to provide support, give direction and assist in networking.”

The GENA group meets every Wednesday morning from 7-8 a.m. within the Holy Spirit at Geist Parish Center, off of Fall Creek Road. This group, open to everyone, is non-denominational and free.

“As a (GENA) member and outsider to this church, GENA has always served a dual purpose,” says Bruce Flannigan of Indianapolis. “GENA is more than just a facilitating network. It also has been a support group with people who genuinely care.”

Stevens adds, Each member serves as another set of eyes for you when searching for potential contacts, only it is in a non-competitive way. Also, GENA provides a climate of trust and faith as we support one another.”

“Because Chris Phillips and Steve Stevens have a myriad of contacts through their networks, they are able to suggest individuals to contact for the job search. While these individuals may not end up hiring a GENA participant, they most often will give us a name or two to network with,” says Gerry Pall, a member of GENA.

GENA provides a balance between emotional support and practical needs. Since each person’s skills, work history and gifts are unique, GENA members can expect others to listen to their particular situation and provide feedback that is relevant.

The only expectation of the GENA members is that once you are hired, you tell everybody that you found a job by bringing in donuts for everyone at the meeting. The group’s motto is: “There is no better group to work yourself out of.”

If you are interested in joining this group or learning more about GENA, please contact Steve Stevens at 777-9771 or Chris Phillips at 496-2858.