KNOXVILLE, TN, April 14, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- For many women recovering from addiction, homelessness, or domestic violence, the hardest part isn't leaving crisis behind. It's figuring out how to start over. After years of instability or survival-mode decisions, basic next steps like creating a resume or applying for a job can feel overwhelming.

That's where Melissa Van Rossum focuses much of her time. A longtime business leader and executive search professional, Melissa brings nearly 30 years of hiring experience to her weekly volunteer work at Serenity, an 18-month recovery program within Knox Area Rescue Ministries (KARM).

Each week, she sits with women one-on-one to help them prepare for what's next. Her support includes job readiness coaching, resume writing, interview prep, and helping women identify career goals that match their stage of life and recovery. She also helps connect residents to free or low-cost services when additional support is needed.

A Different Kind of Volunteer Help

Melissa isn't a job placement officer or a therapist. Her role is personal, quiet, and deeply practical. When someone at Serenity is ready to work again or explore next steps, Melissa meets them where they are—without pressure or judgment.

Sometimes that means building a resume from scratch. Other times, it means talking through how to explain employment gaps caused by addiction or domestic violence. For many residents, these conversations mark the first time someone has taken their goals seriously since entering recovery.

"She treats them like professionals," said one staff member at KARM. "Not victims. Not projects. That shift makes a huge difference."

Support Rooted in Experience

Melissa Van Rossum built her own business from the ground up, founding MarketPro in 1996 and leading it through nearly three decades of economic shifts and digital transformation. Her career has been shaped by long-term effort, consistent leadership, and deep understanding of how hiring works in the real world.

She brings that experience directly into her volunteer work, helping women translate lived experience into usable skills. For example, a woman who managed a household under extreme stress might not think of herself as having leadership ability—but Melissa helps her identify and describe skills that matter to employers.

"I want them to leave the program with more than survival," Melissa says. "I want them to feel capable. Ready. Clear on what they're good at."

Bridging the Gap Between Recovery and Independence

Serenity is structured to give women space and time to heal, but re-entering the workforce is often a major challenge. Many residents face additional hurdles: past arrests, custody battles, limited education, or chronic health issues. Melissa helps residents face those realities with honesty and preparation.

She offers mock interviews, helps women write cover letters, and provides guidance on how to handle difficult conversations with future employers. In some cases, she also provides ongoing encouragement as women begin new jobs or face setbacks.

Her involvement doesn't end when a resume is finished. Melissa stays in touch with many women after they leave the program, offering continued support during the rocky early phases of independence.

A Broader View of Recovery

Melissa's support fits within a larger framework at KARM. The organization's approach to restoration includes housing, spiritual support, job training, and life skills development. Her volunteer work complements those services by giving women direct, individualized help during a critical turning point.

For Melissa, this isn't side work. It's a calling. "You can't rebuild someone's life for them," she says. "But you can sit with them while they figure out how to do it themselves."

She also believes that recovery isn't linear. Progress often includes setbacks, and judgment has no place in the process. "Compassion matters. So does preparation. You need both."

Why This Work Matters

For many women at Serenity, Melissa is the first person in years to ask, "What do you want to do next?" Her support is a mix of practical help and emotional validation. That combination gives women more than a plan—it gives them the confidence to act on it.

About Melissa Van Rossum

Melissa Van Rossum is a business executive and founder of MarketPro, an executive search and staffing firm based in Atlanta. She is also a dedicated weekly volunteer at Knox Area Rescue Ministries, where she supports women recovering from addiction, homelessness, and domestic violence through job readiness, mentoring, and relationship-based service.

# # #