More Than Finding a Job
Losing a job, or feeling stuck in one, can affect every part of life.
Confidence fades.
Relationships become strained.
Purpose feels unclear.
Hope can be difficult to hold onto.
At PurposeWorks, we believe work is about more than earning a paycheck.
It's one of the ways God uniquely designed each of us to contribute, serve others, and live with purpose.
That's why we don't simply help people find jobs.
We help people rebuild confidence, discover purpose, develop practical career skills, and move forward with hope.
Since 2009, we've walked alongside thousands of professionals throughout Greater Austin during one of life's most challenging seasons.
What Makes PurposeWorks Different
Practical Career Support
- Resume help
- Interview preparation
- Networking
- Career Coaching
- Workshops
Encouraging Community
- Weekly Meetings
- Small Groups
- Peer Connection
- Prayer
- Encouragement
Purpose + Career Clarity
- Identify your strengths
- Clarify career direction
- Explore meaningful work
- Connect faith and work
Support Beyond the Job Search
- Career transition
- Purpose and calling
- Faith at work
- Continued growth
We're here for your next career step and the one after that.
Mission Statement
PurposeWorks empowers, equips, and guides professionals to find purpose and fulfillment in every stage of their lives and careers through relationship, encouragement and training.
Vision Statement
Every person is finding fulfillment by pursuing God’s purpose in life and their career.
Our Story
When the economic downturn left many professionals searching for work in 2008, Craig and Debbie Foster recognized that people needed more than job leads.
They needed encouragement.
They needed practical tools.
They needed community.
And they needed hope.
PurposeWorks was founded to meet those needs through Christ-centered encouragement and practical career support.
Since then, the ministry has grown into a thriving community serving thousands of individuals throughout Central Texas.
Meet Our Founders
Craig Foster
Executive Director + Co-Founder
Craig co-founded PurposeWorks with his wife, Debbie, in 2009 after seeing the need for practical support and encouragement for professionals navigating unemployment and career transition. Before PurposeWorks, Craig spent 20 years in corporate management, including 11 years as an executive with an Austin high-tech company. He has spent more than 20 years helping job seekers move forward with greater clarity, confidence, and purpose.
Debbie Foster
Co-Founder + Founding Board Member
Debbie co-founded PurposeWorks with Craig and helped establish many of the processes that shaped the organization in its early years. She continues to serve PurposeWorks through finance, registration, and prayer. With a background in finance, business, and nonprofit leadership, Debbie has a deep passion for prayer and helping people experience God's healing, encouragement, and purpose in their lives.
By the Numbers
Years Serving Greater Austin
People Served
FREE Meetings
of Volunteers, Coaches, and Speakers
Meet Our Team
Shane Stephens
Board Chair + Secretary
Shane brings experience in technology, business development, and nonprofit leadership to PurposeWorks. He is the Co-Founder of AMP Street and also serves as a nonprofit coach through the Goodworks Community Ministry Advancement Academy. Shane is passionate about helping organizations grow their impact and serves PurposeWorks as Board Chair and Secretary.
Zach Thomas
Board Member
Lori Griffin
Board Member
Lori brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in institutional financial services, including relationship management, business development, sales, and project services. Throughout her career, she has been passionate about servant leadership and bringing faith, authenticity, and a commitment to others into the workplace. That passion for faith and work makes PurposeWorks a natural fit.
Madelyn Butler
Marketing + Program Coordinator
Madelyn came to PurposeWorks after seeing firsthand the impact the organization had on her husband during unemployment. With a background in design, marketing, social media, and event planning, she helps connect people with PurposeWorks through communications, programs, events, and relationship building. Madelyn is passionate about creating meaningful connections and helping people discover the support and encouragement available to them.
Jacki Janos
Administrative Assistant
Jacki is passionate about encouraging people to recognize their God-given purpose and confidently step into their calling. She brings a professional background in marketing and communications, along with years of leadership and service in local churches and community ministries. At PurposeWorks, Jacki combines her organizational skills with her heart for helping and encouraging others.
Our Approach
Stories of Hope
"PurposeWorks helped me realize life isn't about becoming who I wanted to be, it was about becoming who God created me to be."
- PurposeWorks Participant
Statement of Beliefs
Everyone is welcome at PurposeWorks.
You don’t have to share our beliefs to attend a meeting or participate in our programs. Our Christian faith shapes who we are and how we serve, and we respect each person's background and beliefs.
Everyone is welcome to our meetings and we do not exclude, deny benefits to, or otherwise discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, or age, church or religious background. If you don’t want to talk about spiritual matters, let us know, and we’ll respect that.