Help For Hard Times

Losing a job can be an overwhelming and isolating experience.  Often times, it's hard to know where to turn for help.  Fortunately, there are many agencies and programs that can help you through this difficult time, and we'll help you find them.

 

United Way 2-1-1 is an easy-to-remember, free and confidential phone number that connects callers in  La Porte county to locally trained specialists who can assess your needs and link you to services through a comprehensive database.

Dial 2-1-1 for

• Employment and training
• Unemployment benefits
• Resources for food
• Help with utilities
• Low-cost health services
• Housing services
• Consumer credit counseling
• Legal services
• Public assistance
• Counseling
• Volunteer opportunities

Are you unemployed now, facing unemployment, is a lay off in the near future? Has your unemployment come to an end? If so, you're in the same position as many other workers in the greater Michiana area who have lost their jobs/unemployment benefits or whose jobs/unemployment benefits are at risk.

In situations like this, it's not uncommon to feel helpless, frightened and that circumstances are beyond your control. That's a natural reaction and, to some extent, it's true. But there are things you can do to deal with the pressures and problems that come with joblessness.

To deal effectively with your situation, you need to be aware of your rights and responsibilities, as well as the eligibility requirements for the programs for which you may qualify. You should take steps to secure whatever help you need right away. People who tend to cope the best with unemployment are those who waste no time seeking out any and all resources.

 

This guide is intended to answer some questions you may be asking yourself. If you need help, call your United Way 211 by dialing 2-1-1. Trained information and referral specialists who understand and care will give you information about available human services. This is a free and confidential service.

 

Given the importance work plays in most peoples' lives, being unemployed may leave you with feelings of rejection, loneliness, depression, and even anger toward yourself and your loved ones. Your feeling of anxiety about bills and your family's future are a natural reaction to the stress you are under right now. During this time it's important to remember that you aren't alone – most people who lose their jobs share your feelings.

 

One of the most important things you can do to ease the strain of unemployment is to share your feelings honestly and openly with your family. Your spouse and children are affected by your situation as much as you are, and good communication with family members and other close friends is a vital part of the emotional support you need right now. Talking together about the problems you face is essential to help you feel less isolated as you plan your next step.

 

If you've been laid off from your job temporarily, keep yourself occupied:

• Do things that you have been putting off, like household maintenance, car repairs and general clean-up chores.
• Take some time to visit relatives and friends.
• Take advantage of the many free or low-cost attractions in the region.
• Volunteer your time to a community project or agency. This is a great way to make new contacts that may have knowledge of employment opportunities.

What if my job is gone for good?
Begin by making realistic plans:

• Explore where you want to go and what you want to do. This may be your opportunity to shift into a type of work you've always wanted to do.
• Consider your assets and liabilities and set your goal. If you need help figuring this out, it's available.
• If you need more job training, make contacts to get that training.
• Decide where it is you want to look for a job and plan a step-by-step approach to achieve your objective. Your plan should be action-oriented, personal, and geared to your needs, desires and abilities.
• Remember, finding a job is a full-time job.

During a period of joblessness, savings can be depleted very quickly. Even the cost of basic necessities like food, housing, clothing, utilities, and medical care can become a serious burden. There are some government benefits which you may be entitled to – food stamps, public assistance, medical assistance – and there are a limited number of emergency assistance programs providing food and help with utility payments.

 

There are also additional services from a variety of counseling, emotional support and protective services that you may need during this difficult period. For information and referral to services please call your United Way 211 by dialing 2-1-1.

 

Returning to your old job or finding a new one is obviously your ultimate goal, but there are many ways you can ease the financial and emotional strain you are feeling right now:

• Talk about your problems with someone close to you.
• Take some time to relax.
• Work off your anger, frustration and anxiety through exercise or some other constructive activity.
• Do something for others. It will do wonders for your self-esteem and help you take your mind off your own problems.
• Find out about the community resources that are available
• Don't try to solve all your problems at once. What do you need most right now?
• Seek help before your problems become unmanageable. There are agencies ready to help you.