Employment Services—a resource available to anyone with employment needs—has more than 45 employment centers across the United States. Employment centers are places where job seekers can find support, build job search skills, and discover new job opportunities. These centers become places where job seekers find hope, connections, and inspiration for what to do next in their employment journey.    

But one center stands out—the Employment Center at the Latter-day Saint Humanitarian Center in Salt Lake City. This location is unique because of its deep focus on serving refugees as they transition into a new culture and workforce. 

Here, Employment Services teams up with the Humanitarian Center and Deseret Industries to offer a comprehensive experience. Refugees employed at the Humanitarian Center receive hands-on work experience through the job training program while also gaining access to personalized employment coaching through Employment Services. It’s a place where practical training and compassionate support go hand-in hand.

When you walk through the doors of the Humanitarian Center’s employment center, you can sense that it is a special place for connection, support, and resources. The employment advisors available to help refugees work hard to create that sense of support.   

Elder and Sister Sharp are service missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who serve as employment advisors. The Sharps dedicates their time to helping refugees improve their job search skills and build confidence. From resume writing and interview preparation to identifying local job opportunities, the Sharps offer individualized support every day. 

“When associates find a job, the look on their faces says it all,” Sister Sharp says. “It’s about more than employment—it’s about restoring hope.” 

Elder Sharp adds, “They know they have someone on their side. That makes all the difference. We’re here to be advocates—just like Jesus is an advocate for us.”

The Sharps are just two of over 1,000 senior missionaries serving through Employment Services. Whether at the Humanitarian Center or another employment center, or virtually, their mission is the same: to help individuals become self-reliant through meaningful work. 

At the Humanitarian Center, this support is especially critical. Refugees face unique challenges in the job market, and Employment Services helps them navigate language barriers, cultural differences, and limited work history. 

“The Spirit here is amazing,” Elder Sharp says. “We’re solving real problems together. That’s what makes this work so fulfilling.”