EMPLOYEE DEVELOPMENT


Keaton_2025

Double Your Impact

Make double the impact this Foundation Day! All gifts- up to the first $1,500- will be matched by our Board of Directors. Help more people like Keaton live life #WithoutWorry by giving today.

Introducing Keaton

A Sans Souci Success Story

“The first time I worked at Sans Souci, I only lasted one day before I quit,” Keaton recalled with a smile. “I was sixteen and overwhelmed. But Sans Souci called me, talked with me, and said, ‘Let’s figure this out together.’”

That moment marked the start of Keaton’s journey with Sans Souci.

In 2021, Keaton was a high school dropout facing severe social anxiety and experiencing deep grief after losing his brother. He struggled to find purpose and often quit or lost jobs. Still, Sans Souci never gave up on him. “They even offered to let me start with just a couple hours a day and work my way up, which really made me feel more comfortable,” he said.

Even with extra support, Keaton still struggled to stay motivated. Eventually, his absences led to his dismissal from Sans Souci- but a few months later, he returned, and things began to change. With guidance from the team, he earned his driver’s license, enrolled in High School Equivalency (HSE) classes, and passed his exam. “Without Sans Souci, I never even would have thought of getting my HSE,” Keaton said.

During the winter, grief resurfaced for Keaton, affecting his motivation and resulting in the loss of his job. But once again, Sans Souci reached out, concerned about him. “They actually called to check on me and told me that if I needed anything- or needed a job again- to just let them know,” he said. “That meant a lot.”

Keaton returned to Sans Souci in May 2024 and has grown tremendously. He has consistently maintained employment and earned several promotions, including Auction Attendant and, most recently, Truck Driver. “That’s something I never thought I could do,” he said. “It used to be so hard for me to talk to people, but now I find it easier to connect with donors and customers and even ask questions to keep the conversation going.”

Today, Keaton lives independently, owns a car, and confidently manages everyday responsibilities. He has applied to join the next Sans Souci Build You class in September to continue his growth. “I just put in my application and I can’t wait to hear the results,” he said.

Keaton’s story shows what’s possible when a community comes together. Your support allows us to fund the Sans Souci Foundations and Sans Souci Build You programs, creating opportunities for neighbors like Keaton to grow and thrive.


Sans-Souci-LogoMore to Know

about our impactful results

Sans Souci’s Employee Development program is designed to employ and equip individuals who have struggled to obtain or retain employment elsewhere, providing them with the support and tools needed to succeed in the workforce. Through one-on-one coaching and personalized plans, employees work to overcome barriers such as housing, childcare, transportation, or financial instability. They also participate in regular trainings led by community partners on topics like communication, financial wellness and job readiness.

For those ready to advance, our Sans Souci Build You (SSBU) program offers career exploration, job shadowing and externship opportunities — empowering participants to build confidence and transition into stable, long-term careers.


Our Two-Step Process

Sans Souci l Columbus, Indiana

Foundations

On average, Sans Souci employs 30 to 35 individuals at a time. Many of these employees come to us in crisis mode and have struggled to obtain or retain employment elsewhere.

By working with each employee, creating an individualized goal plan and providing paid training, we empower individuals by removing barriers that have prevented them from being successful at other places of employment. We provide guidance for them to a path to lifelong self-sufficiency, breaking the generational cycle of poverty.

Additionally, Sans Souci employees learn valuable and transferable skills just while working, such as cash handling, customer service and teamwork.

CONTACT US
Sans Souci l Columbus, Indiana

Build You

Sans Souci Build You (SSBU) is an extension of our Employee Development program, which provides training and guidance for select employees who are working towards moving from stability to self-sufficiency. 

Through SSBU, participants will take six-week courses in the areas of finance, communications, personal development, computer literacy and career exploration. 

After the courses have been completed, an employee will participate in a six-week externship with a partner employer in a field that the participant is interested in.

CONTACT US

Current SSBU Participants

Wyatt Smith l Sans Souci Columbus, Indiana
Wyatt Smith

Wyatt joined the Sans Souci team about a year ago and has made incredible strides both personally and professionally. After overcoming challenges with addiction, he committed to building a new path and has remained focused on his goals ever since.

With support from Sans Souci, Wyatt secured reliable transportation, began working toward custody of his son, and recently enrolled in EMT classes. He was promoted to Truck Driver and is a strong and dependable presence on the team.

As part of the SSBU program, Wyatt has enjoyed learning about communication, finance, and career development. He recently attended classes at a local fire station to obtain his EMT certification and has recently been offered a position as an EMT, where he recently began employment. Equipped with the skills and confidence to pursue a career beyond Sans Souci, Wyatt is committed to giving back to the community that supported his journey.

Kristen Childers l Sans Souci Columbus, Indiana
Kristen Childers

Kristin Childers joined the Sans Souci team a little over a year ago and has experienced significant personal and professional growth since then. Through her time in the SSBU program, Kristin has had the chance to explore her interests and build confidence in her future.

She especially enjoyed job shadowing in the dog grooming industry and even spent time learning from a professional dog trainer—experiences that gave her insight into new career possibilities.

After graduation, Kristin looks forward to continuing her growth and exploring the next steps on her career path.

Destiny Wattjes l Sans Souci Columbus, Indiana
Destiny Wattjes

Destiny joined the Sans Souci team in March 2024 and has grown tremendously in her time with us. Once quiet and reserved, Destiny has gained confidence through her involvement in the SSBU program and is now finding her voice — literally and figuratively.

She especially enjoyed the communications workshops and had the exciting opportunity to shadow at a local radio station, where she even made a live on-air announcement.

That experience sparked a new interest and opened doors she hadn’t considered before.

Destiny hopes to complete her externship at a radio station and plans to take a class or two at Ivy Tech to continue building her skills and exploring new opportunities.

Josh Alexander l Sans Souci Columbus, Indiana
Josh Alexander

Josh has been part of the Sans Souci team for several years and has overcome many hurdles and has had several accomplishments along the way.

Through hard work and determination, Josh earned his High School Equivalency (HSE), secured stable housing, and has grown in many other ways both personally and professionally. Most recently, Josh was promoted to an Assistant Operations Supervisor and does an excellent job leading in the Donation Center area.

Post SSBU graduation, Josh plans to continue taking leadership workshops and grow in his career at Sans Souci.