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My
story is not unique. A series of layoffs led me to have to go on unemployment.
Even back then the permanent jobs were saying "we'll call you"
and the temporary jobs were beginning to sprout. But you have to keep
on trying. My unemployment ran out and I had to go on public assistance
which is not enough to rely on, of course, with cost of living expenses,
but I'm fortunate to have it because it does provide me with some
cash to get along. Without it I would be out there in the street without
housing, same as a lot of people. It's something rather then nothing.
I'm sure other people receiving PA must think the same thing I do
because it does help you to live. In the beginning when I started receiving PA, welfare caseworkers were pretty neutral-"we're here to help" attitude. But since the welfare changes, everyone from caseworkers on down is pretty abusive. You HAVE to do this or else we'll cut you off . If that doesn't work, then they threaten you with time limits. Well, everyone on welfare knows about the time limits, but people need assistance. The welfare system is all too happy to point out all the things you HAVE to do or be terminated. Even with job search programs, they make sure to point out all the threats but they don't even have the jobs to send you to. I was sent to Macy's to submit a job application but immediately the person said we can't keep you up to this short term date. This isn't helpful for people on welfare. People have a lot of different needs; some need training, some need education; others need help only with sending out resumes. And we do what we can. After Sept 11th, people are more compassionate and we need more compassion from the welfare program. My current workfare site won't allow me to take time to go out for job interviews. If you do get an interview set up, workfare requires that you get a letter from the interviewer proving you were with them interviewing. How do they expect you to explain to an employer why you need an alibi letter like that? How are they assisting people with getting jobs if they don't provide working computers, a non-distracted environment, phones and faxes. Another woman at my job placement program got a job interview but they wouldn't give her carfare. How are you supposed to get to job interviews without transportation assistance when you don't have the money? Workfare doesn't lead to real jobs. None of the sites you're assigned to have any jobs to offer you. It's really too bad because many of the sites are good jobs and the employees are nice. But there's no talk of hiring on workfare workers. No talk of future job possibilities. And workfare creates a two-tiered system: regular paid workers and unpaid welfare workers. Workfare participants should be recognized as real workers. If they walked out of their jobs, this city would shut down. We are the city's "shadow workforce" but need to be the "real paid workforce." I need to get a job that has a decent income so that I can pay my costs. I've paid my dues. I worked two full-time jobs. But the welfare program should help me get a full-time, permanent job with a real wage. I think that's a legitimate expectation. |
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