Partner Spotlight: Lisa Crom & Pam Pringle

It’s hard to find living-wage work for many Missourians right now, and even harder for those who have a background of incarceration or substance abuse. Lisa Crom, Employment Coordinator, and Pam Pringle, Employment Placement Specialist, work at Alpha House in Springfield, helping to improve outcomes and professional futures for men and women transitioning to employment.

The Alpha House of Springfield has a rich history of service in its community. Established more than 50 years ago, it has supported thousands of men and women. The mission of Alpha House is to provide previously incarcerated men and women with the structure, accountability, and programs that are needed to make a positive adjustment in the community as productive and law-abiding citizens.

Lisa Crom has been with Alpha-House since 2012, starting as a Security Officer and steadily growing into her current role as Employment Coordinator in 2023. Pam Pringle joined Alpha-House in 2024, beginning as a Security Officer before moving into her role as Employment Placement Specialist, bringing 20 years of law enforcement experience from the Bureau of Prisons. Together, they support residents through every step of the job search, from resume building and interview preparation to money management classes.

Alpha House refers its clients to their trusted partner, MWI, to help them find gainful, supportive, and rewarding employment. Alpha-House has had clients who are currently working in the trades and “making great strides in their lives”.

MWI Construction Programs Manager & Springfield Instructor Austin Fox works closely with Alpha-House participants, making sure they are on track with finding employment,  and staying motivated.”He does a tremendous job caring and investing his time in the participants, and Alpha-House knows when our residents are selected, they are well cared for.”

Why should you participate in a Pre-Apprenticeship Program? Lisa and Pam say, “If you don’t have a skill and find that you are struggling with keeping a job, this is the perfect program for you. They will not let you fail.”

If you want to be part of this mission and invest in Missouri’s future workforce, we’d love to partner with you. Contact Megan Price at mprice@moworks.org.