ATLANTA—Jim and Trudy Knocke, founders of Atlanta’s Job Network at St. Jude the Apostle Church, will conclude their final Job Network session Monday, Oct. 30, at the parish.

Since its inception in 1981, the Job Network at St. Jude Church has been responsible for hundreds of people in the metropolitan Atlanta area finding jobs. The organization gives talks on finding jobs, resume-writing and interviewing tips and advice on “cold calls” for jobs.

At one point, as many as 225 people met weekly at St. Jude’s. Currently, approximately 12 people come weekly.

Inspired by St. Jude’s Job Network, other churches and organizations in the area began their own job networks. Atlanta-area job hunters can now go to different churches throughout the week for job search assistance.

Because of back problems, Jim Knocke is no longer able to continue his work at St. Jude’s and he and his wife will discontinue leading the organization. At least 50 volunteers have assisted the Knockes over the years. The Knockes would like to see the ministry continue under new leadership and volunteers are also needed.

Jim credits the volunteers who have helped with the Job Network as the “secret of success.” Volunteers of all faiths have assisted the Knockes throughout the years.

A former Marine, Jim earned a Bronze Star while serving in active duty in Vietnam. He retired with the rank of major in 1977 after 23 years of service. He then took a job that required much traveling to help put their five children through college.

After a few years, Jim consulted an out-placement service to find other employment. However, after finding that the services were unprofessional and untrained, the couple decided to start their own Job Network operation.

“I knew that if I could bring people together it would be helpful,” Jim said. “It can be a lonely road when you’re looking for a job alone.”

His wife said that the idea of a Job Network was met with positive feedback. “The pastor at the time, Father Richard Morrow, said, ‘I’ll back whatever you start,’” Trudy recalled. “Every pastor after that, including the present parish leader, Msgr. Daniel O’Connor, has been very supportive.”

Though the Knockes will not be able to continue leading the ministry, Jim is satisfied with the work they have done.

“It has given Trudy and I quite a circle of friends,” he said. “It’s a rewarding thing to have people call you to get advice and to find that you’re a lifeline to a lot of folks.”