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Are you interested in the opportunity to work within a community of people who truly care about you at a human level?

Nowadays, with college graduates placing a greater emphasis than previous generations on purpose-driven work and work-life balance—isn’t compassion and understanding in the workforce something that we’re all seeking? Let me be the first to tell you, that’s what you’ll find here at Hillcrest.

Here at Hillcrest Platte County, our goal is to encourage and inspire you as a young leader to transform the lives of our residents within our transitional housing program.

What are we seeking? An individual that has a heart for the ministry and can efficiently handle the functions of the daily tasks.

Let me introduce myself—

I interned during the summer of 2021, was offered opportunity advancements, and experienced something unique: my quality of life drastically improved. Now, I am writing to you as the serving Communications Coordinator of this incredible non-profit.

If you believe that God has a plan for your life and He is using these words to minister to your heart, I encourage you to apply. We would love to meet you.

For more information about our program, please visit our website. 

Interested in this internship and extended opportunities? Email Lou or fill out the application to schedule an interview.

About the Author
Samantha Piel is the Communications Coordinator at Hillcrest Platte County. Want to know more about her internship experience you can email her.

“I truly believe that God knew long ago that this is where I should be.” -Lisa Guess

I have donated clothing and household goods to the HPC Hillcrest store for the 12 years I have lived in Platte City. I didn’t know much about the program during that time, but I always heard great things. I didn’t understand how meaningful and helpful this program is to people until I accepted and have just begun to learn my new job. I am so grateful for all of the people in our community who have held up and supported the needs of this program through the years. And I am so honored to be a part of it.

Role at HPC: Case Manager, Young Adult Housing, Platte City

In my new role, I will connect, orient, and mentor young adults through a safe transitional living environment at our north campus location in Platte City. This will involve weekly case management meetings, budget planning, life skills classes, and monitoring of the participants’ weekly goals and progress.

My first day of training was Tuesday, October 5th, 2021! I did lots of training and listening the first week. This week, I have already placed two students at our Platte City location with the one who was already moved in the week before. So, I now have three young adults at the Platte City location. And a fourth one is moving in next week!

Transitioning from Supporter to Case Manager

I truly believe that God knew long ago that this is where I should be, so I give him all the glory and praise for connecting me with this ministry. God used my friend, Karen Wagoner, to introduce me to the idea of being a case manager. After a few conversations with other employees, I felt confident it was the right job for me!

Lisa’s Background

I recently retired from 29 years of teaching. I served as a middle school library media specialist…17 years in the Pattonville School District in St. Louis and 12 years in the Smithville School District. I am married to my husband Paul and have two sons.

Did you know?

Since HPC began Young Adult Housing in 2017, countless young adults have transformed their lives by graduating from the program.

Here is how to help:

1. Shop at our Hillcrest Thrift Shops.
2. Donate items to our Hillcrest Thrift Shops.
3. Donate your time and volunteer at the Hillcrest Thrift Shops.
4. Make a monetary contribution.

Hang out long enough at any of our HPC-Thrift shops, and you will find that these are no ordinary thrift operations. Staff and volunteers meet together each week to ban together and make available to the public the seemingly endless influx of donations that come from local supporters daily. A real melting pot if you will, of young and old, wealthy and poor, weak and strong, educated and uneducated individuals, as diversified a group demographically, dynamically, and personality-wise, you’ll ever see in one place.

But what makes these stores even more unique are the connections you see happening as our “peeps” engage with one another, the shoppers, and even our HPC program participants. It is not uncommon to have managers coaching our young entry-level employees and community service workers after hours on life skills. Most every day, a widow is looked after or considered to care for if need be. Birthdays are recognized every month, flowers are sent to funerals of lost ones, food is given freely, and cool drinks of water are offered daily in Christ’s name.

God is alive and well at our  thrift stores

I’ve watched volunteers pool money together to help an employee. I have seen employees do the same for volunteers and observed outreach to volunteers, employees, and shoppers alike, troubled with health conditions, offering support and prayers. There is an awareness to look out for others and execution of that care, that when witnessed, leaves you with a deep sense that God is alive and well at our thrift shops.

Our thrift shops have become a beacon of generosity and care throughout Platte County. Community partners call on us regularly to help those they run across who need clothing or beds. Prayer warriors frequently lift prayers for our staff, volunteers, widows, family members, customers, and program participants. Yes, God is alive and well. His movement throughout HPC is obvious, evident, anticipated, and even expected! He has brought together people for His purpose, for not only helping those less fortunate but for reconciling His people back home to Him. Who would’ve thought He would use our thrift shops in such a manner.

No, these are no ordinary thrift stores.

by Lou Warner

Lou is the Director of Thrifts for all of the Hillcrest Thrift Stores.