The Perfect Person at the Perfect Time

Like so many other New Yorkers, Elaine Gorsline lost her job in mid-March due to the pandemic. But Elaine’s story has a great ending—for both her and NCS’s clients!  

Elaine has more than 15 years of experience in workforce development, specifically working with vulnerable populations. Options, NCS’s vocational and education program, was looking for a new vocational specialist this past Winter. It was a perfect fit, and Elaine joined the NCS team on March 26th, just as the world was turning upside down.  

“This job is about building confidence in the clients,” Elaine explained. “People in my position often overlook soft skills, but the clients need to believe in themselves, that they can succeed. We need to build and foster that desire in them. NCS believes in that approach. They give me the time to work with clients on those soft skills and understand that results will come.” 

Elaine has already seen success with her clients.  She worked with a Louis Nine House resident to consider his strengths and create realistic short-term goals. In October, he started working at the Krispy Kreme warehouse in the Bronx, and he recently celebrated two months in the position.   

She has also been working with a former Louis Nine House resident who moved into her own apartment in Brooklyn this summer. While the weather was nice, they met on the Coney Island boardwalk, and they would discuss next steps, best interview practices, and job opportunities. Now that the weather has gotten colder, they are meeting over the phone, but the client knows that Elaine will continue to be there to support her.  

“Elaine has a go-getter attitude and an innate sense of people,” shared OPTIONS Vocational Coordinator Elizabeth McGuire. “She has a great sense of humor, is nurturing, and is at ease working with all of the Options participants. She makes sure the clients know that NCS is there to support them on their journey—even after they no longer live at NCS.” 

Elaine helps Options clients believe in themselves and take the appropriate next steps, but she also credits NCS with helping her. “I started working at NCS in March, and if I hadn’t had an opportunity to work through this pandemic, it would have really impacted me; it would have been difficult. I am so thankful that I was able to be working with people this year.” 

Thank you, Elaine, for the work you do!