Today we’d like to introduce you to Charlise Walker.
Charlise, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started Professional Career Development Services (PCDS) based off a bad experience. When I lived in Michigan, I needed some help after I lost a job. I turned to welfare benefits for assistance. In turn, they sent me to the local workforce center. One problem was, the economy was in such a rut in 2010 just about everyone needed help (not as bad as it is now). The issue with the workforce center then is that they were not prepared to help those that was already “employable”. At the time, I held a dual bachelor’s degree in Human Services and Management. The workforce centers were in place to help people get GEDs and certain certifications so that they can become employable. The staff at the workforce center did not know what to do with me and a guy with his master’s degree. They ended up sitting us in a room just to review resumes. I thought that was a waste of time and I could do way better. I wanted to fix the problem. I decided I would create a nonprofit that would really help and care about everyone’s needs, no matter if they are employable or not. I ended up going back to school to earn my master’s degree in Nonprofit Leadership Management.
In late 2011, I started Professional Career Development Services in Detroit, MI. The first service was, creating resumes for free. Back then, I wanted to have everything in place before I could really start helping more people. Things like more programs, a center, staff, etc. Yet GOD said differently. In 2013, I was led and by faith, relocated to the North Dallas area. I moved here on faith without ever coming here or visiting a day in my life. I worked some corporate and contract jobs, but it was not fulfilling my purpose. I revamped and relaunched PCDS in 2018 to use what I have so I could help others.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Having the funds to continue the work and continue to help people is a challenge. COVID-19 last year was really discouraging. Once we were able to get out, do events, start telling more about PCDS then coronavirus hit. Another challenge was people take advantage of certain services. We want people to gain knowledge, not just give a service or a handout, so we adjusted our program services again. We now include virtual “Be Job Ready Quick Tips” as a requirement and changed the qualification requirements for services. It is all about adapting and making changes when necessary, especially for growth. We serve Dallas County and we will continue to do so.
We’ve been impressed with Professional Career Development Services, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Professional Career Development Services (PCDS) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that helps with job preparation, career readiness, and skill development. In 2018, we revamped and relaunched PCDS to fit the needs of the Dallas County area to service teenagers and adults. We help people overcome job prep barriers to equip with knowledge, educate with understanding, teach life skills, encourage as well as motivate to empower people to have a better perspective on life circumstances. We have developed five programs to fulfill the needs of our clients. The first program service initiated was our Career Services, which is for resume services, cover letters and mock interviews with a consultation. We launched three more program services in 2019; our Excel Program are e-learning workshops focused job skill building and life skills; Simple Styles is an invite-only for our hair grooming for services from local licensed barber and hairstylist we partner with; and Causal Closet Clothing grooming assists those in need with new to gently used business or casual clothes for interviews or on the job.
In January 2020 we launched, Get You There (GYT) Transportation to give DART vouchers to help those get interviews or job just started a new job. In 2021 we are working on a virtual skills training called Be Job Ready Skills Training. What sets us apart from others is that we are smaller, operated by my family, our clients’ needs are more urgent, plus we have virtual platforms and we are mobile so that we go to our clients if we are able. We don’t have a public office yet. We help adults at any age and teenagers 14-17 years old. We have a group on Facebook call Dallas Teen Job Search. It is for teenagers 14-17, parents, recruiters of teens in Dallas County. With our Excel Program e-Learning workshops they are self-paced. Once registered, will receive a workbook and gifts. I no longer create resumes and cover letters for free lol We try to keep cost low. If anyone pays for a resume, the funds go directly to PCDS so that you will be paying it forward to help someone else be job-ready. We can always use Virtual Volunteers!
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I do have a blog on Google BlogSpot called Just A Girl From Detroit Job Ready. I have self-published my own book called Take Pain and Walk. I am also working on another book for job seekers for most common questions and answers.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@pcdservices.org
- Website: www.pcdservices.org
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/pcdserv
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PCDServ/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/PCDServices
Image Credits
Kim Leeson Photography – North Texas Giving Day Yard Sign Pick up =picture with Charlise in car.
