Thinking about investments and successful loans means getting beyond a paycheck-to-paycheck existence. And even before that, comes the search for a regular payday.

Sound Works Job Center, begun in 1989, steps in to help those struggling to think beyond the crying baby and overdue bills.

Since 1994, more than 21,000 unemployed people have walked through the Poulsbo center doors for a new reason for waking up in the morning. That means a job and any possible assistance to get a person earning money.

Executive Director (and counselor, janitor and wall painter) Bob Middlebrook said a large minority of the 200 or so applications each month are from people looking for a job for the first time.

“Kids, adults for whatever reason, and divorced women,” Middlebrook said. “Our main purpose is to give hope to people who sometimes are near losing it.”

Its egalitarian work includes everything from producing resumes, to finding shelter, food and clothing in extreme cases.

“We will help anybody who walks through the door, but primarily it is low-income people,” said Gwynn Rogers, Sound Works board president. “However, anyone who has lost their job is low-income if you think about it.”

About 92 percent of the people who have walked through the doors can be classified as “low-income. The grants the non-profit group receives require only that 52 percent are such.

The job center’s $40,000 budget comes in large part from three grant sources — the United Way, the City of Poulsbo, which gives them rent-free space, and a state-administered Community Development Block grant.

Rogers is a walking example of the benefits that can be bestowed with Sound Works connections. She became project manager at Watson Furniture through the agency’s guidance.

“I was new in the area and didn’t know who the main employers were and he [Middlebrook] gave me numbers, saying that person knows a lot, go talk with them; give them your resume.”

Her experience with regular job agencies had not been as good. One had not even considered Rogers qualified for the job she ultimately got.

“Agencies I went to, they were looking to eliminate people and not find everybody work,” she said.

Middlebrook said the relationship between Sound Works and other traditional job placement agencies is generally cooperative.

To handle expected future growth, more qualified volunteers are needed. With a board now more business-minded than in years past, Middlebrook said he should have more time to solidify his connections with the state, chambers of commerce and businesses.

“In order for our group to grow and survive it needs capable people to manage everything — and to care,” Rodgers said.

The same can be said for any company’s employees.