My sister, who lives in Boston, adopted a puppy — in Illinois. It wasn’t ideal, nor was it from a lack of trying to procure a dog closer to home. For two years, she went through the arduous process of trying to get a dog in Massachusetts — writing essays, supplying references, submitting to a home visit — and still no luck.
I have friends going through a similar process trying to adopt a child. They had to prepare reams of documents, create a book of pictures, have home visits and financial background checks, and meet with pregnant moms in person. And still no baby.
I also have very experienced and talented colleagues who are looking for a job. They have applied to numerous places and have been searching for months but remain unemployed…
…yet, I simultaneously hear that shelters are bursting at the seams, children are in need of loving homes, and employers can’t find good talent. In this age of abundant information, there appears to be a gap in matching needs with those who can fill them, or there is a flaw in the process that makes matching harder than it needs to be.
There is a golden opportunity for those who can make connections. Since the mass systems aren’t effectively doing the job, make it your mission to play matchmaker whenever possible. Make referrals for employment. Advocate as a reference rather than just having your name listed on their resume. Pay attention to what people need or have to offer and connect the two. Use your network to help others. And offer support to those looking for a match, in whatever form that may be.
