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Kyle James Lapp recently graduated from the WIU Social Work program and now works at Samaritan Well, a homeless shelter in Macomb.
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Just Hired: Kyle James Lapp

January 9, 2025

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Just Hired! Through the experiences of local, regional, national and international students, Western Illinois University has some incredible alumni who are changing the world in the workforce. This series features students from all over the world who are hired post-graduation.

MACOMB, IL - Meet Kyle James Lapp, a WIU Social Work program graduate who accepted a position with Samaritan Well, a homeless shelter in Macomb.

The hands-on experience Lapp received at WIU helped him secure this job.

"I started working for the Samaritan Well during my practicum as I was finishing up my degree," Lapp said. "In that way, my interview process was proving that I would be a competent and dependable employee for the company if I were to remain after my Practicum finished."

Working at the Samaritan Well, Lapp helps provide transitional housing services to those currently dealing with homelessness, assists in helping them search for jobs, permanent housing and the development of independent living skills.

Lapp said the most important thing he learned is the variety of ways to approach situations with clients.

"While I could've just continued doing whatever was easiest for me, the social work program at WIU encouraged me to expand my horizons and to look at each person as they were," Lapp said. "Everyone is coming from their own background. Judging them as if they were not would be cruel."

With Lapp's job keeping him in the Macomb area, he hopes to give back to WIU and pass along all he has learned to the future generations of Leathernecks.

"I have made myself available to speak in any social work class," Lapp said. "In addition, I make sure to keep an eye out for any volunteer opportunities that my organization could provide to current WIU students."

To share your hiring story with WIU, visit forms.gle/him2LFf9eyCb5yKk9.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing