CHARLOTTE -- A congresswoman was spotted on Wednesday at the Goodwill Career Development Center in Charlotte, attempting to fly below the radar.
"Looks like word got out!" said Congresswoman Alma Adams, with a laugh.
The visit was part of her "Undercover Congresswoman" series, inspired by the TV show "Undercover Boss."
"It's a way to get into various organizations, businesses, and non-profit agencies to not only find out what they're doing, but to find out how we might be able to help through our congressional offices," Adams said.
She got a firsthand look at one of the Goodwill Industries of Southern Piedmont's four job connection centers.
Last year, Goodwill served more than 13,000 people in the region and helped more than 1,100 of them find employment.
"Most people know the stores and know the donation centers, but they don't know that our main focus is about job training, job placement and job creation," said Michael Elder, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont.
During her tour, Adams heard from people who struggled to find jobs and turned to Goodwill for assistance.
"Goodwill was very instrumental in helping me get a job," said Warren Melvin, who was excited to share his success story with the congresswoman.
"I hope that it pays more attention to unemployed people, and maybe being who she is, she can help open some doors to us," Melvin said.
Adams said the goal of the "Undercover Congresswoman" campaign is to learn more about the challenges facing employers, employees and the unemployed in the 12th Congressional District.
"I'm here to learn," she said. "It's about listening, and it's about learning."
Adams is a member of the House Education and the Workforce Committee.