HelpForToughTimes_2006

Help For Tough Times Your guide to unemployment, health care, legal assistance and other basic needs.

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Introduction The recent changes in our economy have affected many people. Many have lost jobs or are living in fear of losing their jobs in the near future. If you have recently found yourself unemployed, this booklet is for you.

Unexpected job loss is devastating. In addition to financial gains, employment gives us a sense of purpose and is a part of our identity. As you go through the process of finding new employment, whether in your current field, or in a new venture, you may need help.

This booklet offers resources for you to use during your journey. The agencies listed can help with money and credit problems, basic needs like food and utilities, health care, legal services and job search assistance.

The inclusion of agencies and programs in this booklet does not constitute endorsement, nor does omission suggest disapproval by the United Way of Central Ohio or FIRSTLINK. The listees are responsible for the accuracy of the information presented. United Way of Central Ohio and FIRSTLINK assume no responsibility regarding the accuracy of the information or the quality of services provided by organizations in this supplement.

If you cannot find the specific information you need in this booklet, you can call FIRSTLINK’s comprehensive information and referral line at (614) 221-2255 or 211.

FIRSTLINK’s 24 hour specialists have access to more than 5,000 services and programs in the greater Columbus area.

Or you can contact the Community Services Department at United Way of Central Ohio at (614) 227-2724 and ask for an AFL-CIO Labor Liaison.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE Budgeting Mortgage Rent Utility Bill Assistance Unemployment Benefits Social Security Ohio Works First (OWF) Additional Assistance FOOD ASSISTANCE Ohio Direction Card Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) School Year and Summer Meal Programs Food Pantries HEALTH CARE COBRA Ohio Works First (OWF) Insurance for Children Medicare and Medicaid Free Walk-in Clinics Community Health Care Facilities Dental Care Prescription Assistance Veterans Benefits LEGAL SERVICES Legal Assistance COPING WITH UNEMPLOYMENT Take Care of Yourself Counseling Services Childcare Volunteering JOB SEARCH TIPS Job Information Sources Your Resume Career Counseling Career Clothing Interviewing

4 4 6 6 7 9 9 9 10 10 10 10 10 11 11 11 11 11 11 12 12 13 13 14 14 14 15 15 15 16 16 16 17 17 18 18 18

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE Budgeting Reduced income requires your utmost caution and skill in managing your money. There are community resources to help you, but first you will need to plan ahead. Set up a realistic

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financial plan allowing for basic needs: food, shelter, clothing and medical care. Use the chart below to fill in your expected income for the next six months.

Six Month Expected Income MONTH 1

MONTH 2

MONTH 3

MONTH 4

MONTH 5

MONTH 6

Severance Pay Unemployment Pay Cash in Bank Savings Other Income Secondly, create a chart of your typical monthly expenses (see Expense Log on next page).

This will help you estimate the amount of money needed for future monthly expenses. If you do not have enough money to cover all your bills, prioritize your bills. Pay rent/mortgage, utilities, food and transportation first. Avoid purchases on credit to prevent costly interest charges and future debt. If you can not pay a bill on time, notify your creditors, lenders or landlord before the due date. Explain your situation truthfully and ask for a payment plan, or discuss other ways to work off the obligation. Seek help if you are having difficulties; For financial counseling, debt management and consumer education, call: Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Central Ohio 4500 East Broad Street 43213 Suite 200 (614) 552-2222

Expense Log Last Month

Month 1*

Month 2*

HOUSEHOLD Food

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Month 3*

Month 4*

Month 5*

Month 6*

Rent/Mortgage Electricity Heating Water Phone Cable Laundry/Cleaning Other PERSONAL Transportation Credit Card Clothing Dues Subscriptions Other FAMILY Childcare Medical Tuition School Supplies Birthdays/Gifts Other TOTAL Note: Some bills like water and sewer may not be due monthly.

If you are being harassed by creditors, or need help with a consumer problem, contact: Better Business Bureau of Central Ohio 1335 Dublin Road 43215 Suite 30A (614) 486-6336 Ohio Attorney General’s Office 30 East Broad Street 43266 th 17 Floor (614)466-4986 Public Action Line It is important to address problems even if you can’t solve them alone. Sometimes mediation services can help resolve a conflict with a landlord or merchant. In financial situations involving a divorce, mediation services can be helpful. For more information call: Community Mediation Services of Central Ohio 67 Jefferson Avenue 43215 Second Floor (614) 228-7191 Columbus City Attorney’s Office–Prosecutor’s Division 375 South High Street 43215 Seventh Floor 614) 645-7483 6a-8p Mon-Fri, 2p-4p Sat-Sun

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Mortgage Planning ahead can help you avoid losing your home. Contact your bank or mortgage lender to discuss your current financial status, and ask for an alternative payment plan. Explore every reasonable alternative to avoid losing your home. Most banks prefer to negotiate an arrangement, rather than foreclose on a mortgage. However, do not sign any document until you fully understand it. For assistance, contact: Columbus Housing Partnership 562 East Main Street 43215 (614) 221-8889 If you have a VA-insured mortgage, call: Franklin County Veterans Service Commission 250 West Broad Street 43215 (614) 462-2500 If you have a HUD/FHA loan payment problem, contact your lender or a HUD approved mortgage counseling agency as soon as possible. Explain the situation, and be prepared to provide financial information. If you have difficulty communicating with your lender, contact: US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) 200 North High Street 43215 Seventh Floor (614) 469-5737 (800) 569-4287 Counseling and Referral Line Some low income homeowners may qualify for a seasonal rent and mortgage assistance program that runs from April to September each year. This program is the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP), organized by Lutheran Social Services. However, there are application procedures and eligibility requirements, and assistance is not guaranteed. For income requirements, see Appendix A . For application sites (during program months), call: FIRSTLINK’s 24 hour information and referral hotline at (614) 221-2255 or 211.

Rent If you are renting, discuss your circumstances with your landlord immediately. Try to negotiate a mutually acceptable payment plan, or discuss other ways to pay off your obligation. Above all, try to work with the landlord to avoid eviction.

If you are at risk of eviction, there are some things you should know. First, before a landlord can evict you for non-payment of rent, the apartment manager or landlord must notify you in writing that your tenancy is being terminated. This is called a “notice to quit”, and is the first step in the eviction process.

If there has only been one “notice to quit” issued in the last 12 months, you can revive your tenancy by paying the rent owed within 10 days of receiving the notice. It is possible that you may qualify for some seasonal financial assistance programs in Franklin County. For details on current programs, call FIRSTLINK at (614) 221-2255 or 211.

The Franklin County Department of Job and Family Services (FCDJFS) administers a program called Prevention, Retention and Contingency (PRC) to assist households with children. Provides financial assistance to low income families in emergency situations once

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every two years. Assistance may be used for rent or rental deposits, utilities, and, in some emergency situations, for home or car repairs. For the nearest Opportunity Center site, call: Franklin County Department of Job and Family Services Administrative Offices 80 East Fulton Street 43215 (614) 462-4000 If you are a veteran, you might be able to receive assistance from this organization: Franklin County Veterans Service Commission 250 West Broad Street 43215 (614) 462-2500 If your rent continues to go unpaid, the second step your landlord needs to take in the eviction process is to obtain permission from a judge to evict you. If you receive an eviction notice and you want to stay in your apartment, or need more time to find a new place, you must respond quickly to any documents you receive. The court eviction process normally takes a number of weeks.

For further assistance contact FIRSTLINK at (614) 221-2255 or 211.

In addition, as mentioned earlier, Lutheran Social Services administers a rent and mortgage assistance program (EFSP) from April to September to qualifying low income households. See Mortgage section for information.

Utility Bill Assistance If you think you will have difficulty paying a utility bill, call the company as soon as possible (gas, electric, water, phone, cable). Try to arrange a payment plan. If you are not satisfied with the response, ask for the credit manager. Do not wait until you receive a shut-off notice to call, as negotiation may become more difficult with time.

If you have questions or complaints about a gas, electric or cable company, contact: Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) 180 East Broad Street 43215 Seventh Floor (614) 466-3292 There are several utility assistance programs in Franklin County, but they run seasonally during certain months, and you must apply and qualify. During winter months, the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) offers the regular Home Energy Assistance Program (Regular HEAP), a heating assistance program for low income families (175% or less of federal poverty level). See Appendix A (Federal Poverty Level Chart) at the end of this guide.

For more information on HEAP or other energy assistance programs, contact: Ohio Department of Development (614) 644-6600 (800) 282-0880 Online Regular HEAP applications: energyhelp.ohio.gov FIRSTLINK (614) 221-2255 or 211 24 hours Mon-Sun Information and Referral

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The Emergency HEAP Winter Crisis Program (administered by Columbus LEADS) provides heating bill assistance for those who have received a disconnect notice, or who have been disconnected. Must be at or below 175% of federal poverty level. Columbus LEADS also offers the Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP), an income-based payment plan, as well as the Home Weatherization Assistance Program (HWAP). Must be at or below 150% of federal poverty level to qualify for PIPP and HWAP. For more information, contact: Columbus LEADS 1808 East Broad Street 43203 (614) 252-2799 (614) 917-2444 Automated Appointment Line As previously mentioned in the rent section, the PRC program may assist households with children with various emergency needs, including gas and electric assistance once every two years. A disconnection notice is required. Assists with water bills or phone installation only if it is a medical necessity. For the nearest Opportunity Center site, call: Franklin County Department of Job and Family Services Administrative Offices 80 East Fulton Street 43215 (614) 462-4000 During April and May, the Heat Share program through the Salvation Army provides financial assistance to prevent heating disconnection or reconnect service. Call for details: Salvation Army Citadel Worship and Service Center 409 South Grant Avenue 43215 (614) 221-8890

Unemployment Benefits If you were laid off at no fault of your own, filing for unemployment benefits should be the first item on your agenda. The Unemployment Insurance Benefits program compensates eligible workers for a portion of lost wages regardless of their financial status. Benefits were paid by your previous employer based on your earnings. In order to receive benefits, you must be actively looking for a job. It may take two or three weeks to approve your claim, so the sooner you file, the faster you will receive payment. Once your claim is approved, you may refile weekly by phone, mail or online.

To register for unemployment benefits by phone or online, you will need your social security number, birth date, address, and telephone number. You will also need information on all of your employers for the last 18 months (name, address and telephone number) and the reason you are no longer employed. Contact: Ohio Department of Job and Family Services 1-877-644-6562 7:30a-4:30p Mon-Fri www.unemployment.ohio.gov

Social Security Social Security is a federal program that provides monetary benefits to eligible aged, disabled, and blind individuals. The amount of benefits a person receives is based on their lifetime earnings. Eligible adults 18 and older with disabilities may receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a program that augments Social Security. Aged adults (without major

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disabilities) may begin receiving Social Security at age 62, but the amount of those benefits will be less than if they had waited until age 65. For more information, contact: US Social Security Administration 200 North High Street 43215 (614) 469-6855

Ohio Works First (OWF) Low income households with children under 18 may be eligible for Ohio Works First (OWF), a public assistance program. OWF provides financial and medical assistance, childcare subsidies, Medicaid health coverage for children, case management, career guidance, skills training, and job placement. OWF is also sometimes referred to as Temporary Aid for Needy Families (TANF), due to the funding source. For the nearest Opportunity Center, call: Franklin County Department of Job and Family Services Administration 80 East Fulton Street 43215 (614) 462-4000

Additional Assistance Some social service agencies and charitable funds provide seasonal (or time-limited) assistance programs. For information on current programs, call FIRSTLINK’s 24 hour information and referral hotline at (614) 221-2255 or 211.

FOOD ASSISTANCE In order to save money, it can be tempting to cut corners on food expenses. Rather than going hungry, there are other options to reduce the cost of feeding a family. Here are some options:

Ohio Direction Card (formerly Food Stamps) This program provides grocery bill assistance through a standard debit card to improve diets and increase the food budgets of low income households. The amount of assistance depends on family size, income and expenses such as childcare costs. Working individuals may still receive assistance since eligibility is based on need and income. For the nearest Opportunity Center, call: Franklin County Department of Job and Family Services Administration 80 East Fulton Street 43215 (614) 462-4000

Women, Infants and Children (WIC) WIC is a federally funded nutrition and supplemental food program for women who are either pregnant or breast feeding, and their children or foster children (ages 0-5). The program supplies vouchers to purchase items such as milk, cheese, juice, eggs, cereal and infant formula. Families must meet income eligibility requirements. Call for an appointment and nearest location:

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Columbus Health Department Administration 240 North Parsons Avenue 43215 (614) 645-7280

School Year and Summer Meal Programs Children from low-income families are eligible to receive free or reduced cost breakfasts and lunches during the school year and summer break at certain sites. For information, contact your child’s school or call: Children’s Hunger Alliance (614) 341-7700 FIRSTLINK (614) 221-2255 or 211 24 hours Mon-Sun Information and Referral

Food Pantries Food pantries can provide you with enough food for 3 or 4 days for every member of the family. FOODLINK works with more than 100 community-based food pantries in Franklin County. For a food appointment at a nearby pantry, or for emergency walk-in pantries, call: FOODLINK (614) 341-2282 7a-4p Mon, Wed, Fri; and 7a-8p Tue, Thu

HEALTH CARE Your family doctor or local hospital does not want to see you ignore health problems. If you have lost your health coverage, speak to your doctor about the possibility of negotiating reduced fees and payment schedules. Here are some health care programs you may be able to use:

COBRA If you participated in a group health insurance plan at your job before you were laid off, the Federal COBRA law requires that employer to offer you and your family a temporary extension of health coverage at group rates for at least 60 days. In some circumstances, you, your spouse, and your dependent children may even be eligible for coverage for 18 to 36 months.

Contact your former employer for details. Additionally, if you are still not employed when the COBRA coverage expires, some health insurers will allow you to convert your group policy to a non-group policy. The costs of these plans vary, and some offer fewer benefits. Even when you join a new plan at a new job, there may be an initial waiting period to receive full benefits.

Ohio Works First (OWF) If you have children, your family may qualify for health benefits through OWF. See the Financial Assistance section for more information on Ohio Works First.

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Program provides comprehensive prenatal care to uninsured pregnant women, and medical care to uninsured infants and children birth to 19 years. To apply, call the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services at (800) 324-8680.

Medicare and Medicaid Medicare is a federally-funded health insurance program administered by the Social Security Administration. Serves adults 65 and older who either: 1) receive Social Security or railroad retirement benefits; 2) have been a federal, state or local government employee; or 3) have received Social Security Disability benefits for 24 months or longer. Adults 64 and younger may also be eligible if they have been a federal, state or local government employee for a specified length time. For more information, contact: Social Security Administration (800) 772-1213 www.ssa.gov Medicare (800) 633-4227 http://www.medicare.gov

Free Walk-in Clinics These clinics provide free diagnosis and treatment for minor illnesses to adults and children without health insurance. They do not provide routine physical exams or lab work (for those services, see Community Health Care Facilities section).

Columbus Free Clinic OSU Rardin Family Practice Center 2231 North High Street 43201 Suite 103 Walk-in 5p-8pThu on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early.

Physicians Free Clinic Columbus Medical Association 240 Parsons Avenue 43215 240-7430 Walk-in at 4:30p Mon. www.cma-ohio.org Vineyard Free Medical Clinic Vineyard Church of Columbus 171 East Fifth Avenue 43201 890-0000 ext 6340 Walk-in at 6:30p Wed. Appointment required for eye and dental clinic.

For more options, call FIRSTLINK’s 24 hour referral line at (614) 221-2255 or 211.

Community Health Care Facilities These health care organizations will do routine physical exams, as well as diagnostic/treatment and other services.

Columbus Neighborhood Health Center, Inc. (CNHC) Administration

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600 West Spring Street 43215 645-5500 9a-5p Mon-Fri Appointment required. Sliding fee scale. Serves all ages. Accepts Medicaid, Medicare and CareSource. Vision and dental services at East Central Family Health Center site only.

• East Central Health Center 1180 East Main Street 43205 645-5535 • Hilltop Community Health Center 2504 Sullivant Avenue 43204 645-2300 • Stephen's Health Center 1500 East 17th Avenue 43219 645-2700 • John R. Maloney Southside Health Center 1833 Parsons Avenue 43207 645-3163 • Northeast Health Center 3433 Agler Road 43219 645-1600 Short North Health and Wellness, Inc. 1091 East Hudson Street 43211 (614) 322-2976 Call for clinic days and times. Free primary care and prevention clinic.

Access Health Columbus 884-2441 ext 212 9a-4p Mon-Fri http://www.accesshealthcolumbus.org Appointment required. Matches low income, uninsured residents of zip codes 43204, 43205, 43206, 43207, 43215, 43222 and 43223 with a primary care physician, and coordinates access to specialty, diagnostic and hospital services; prescriptions, medical interpreters and transportation.

Victorian Village Urgent Care, Doctors North 1132 Hunter Avenue 43201 544-5756 10a-8p Mon-Fri noon-8p Sat, Sun Offers primary care services. Walk-in during hours above. Financial assistance available.

Latino Health Alliance/La Clinica Latina OSU Rardin Family Practice Center 2231 North High Street Columbus, Ohio 43201 293-9906 24 hours Mon-Sun Voice mail Appointment required. No walk-ins. Provides general physical exams, diagnosis/treatment services and ongoing care for Spanish-speaking adults and children. In addition, dental clinic offers basic exams, cleanings and fillings by appointment.

For more options, call FIRSTLINK’s 24 hour referral line at (614) 221-2255 or 211.

Dental Care The following dental programs for adults and children provide basic preventative dental care at a reduced cost or on a sliding fee scale.

Columbus Health Department 240 Parsons Avenue 43215 (614) 645-7487 7:45a-4:45p Mon-Fri Call for an appointment.

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OSU Medical Center, Department of Dentistry th 305 West 12 Avenue Columbus, Ohio 43210 (614) 292-2751 7:30a-4:30p Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri

9:30a-7:30p Wed

Columbus Neighborhood Health Center, Inc. (CNHC) See Community Health Care Facilities section.

Vineyard Dental Clinic Vineyard Church of Columbus 171 East Fifth Avenue 43201 890-0000 ext 6340 Appointment required.

Latino Health Alliance/La Clinica Latina See Community Health Care Facilities section.

FIRSTLINK’s 24 hour referral line (614) 221-2255 or 211 Additionally, FIRSTLINK administers Dental Options, a program that links low income individuals to dentists who have agreed to treat income-eligible patients at a reduced cost.

Dental Options 233-6388

Prescription Assistance The following programs offer prescription drugs at a reduced cost.

Ohio’s Best Rx PO Box 408 Twinsburg, Ohio 44087 (866) 923-7879 http://www.ohiobestrx.org Rx for Ohio 172 East State Street 43215 Suite 410 (877) 794-6446 9a-6p Mon-Fri http://www.rxforohio.org Everyone’s Rx 101 West Farmers Road Suite A Seagoville, Texas 75159 (866) 353-3763 http://www.everyonesrx.com Medhelp of Ohio 2400 Briggs Road 43223 Suite 1 (614) 274-9917 10a-6p Mon-Fri Call for appointment. http://www.medhelpofohio.com Access Health Columbus 150 East Mound Street 43215 Suite 210 (614) 884-2441

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http://www.accesshealthcolumbus.org Serves limited zip codes 43205, 43206, 43207, 43215, 43222, and 43223.

Medicare Part D Prescription Assistance 1-800-633-4227 24 hours Mon-Sun www.medicare.gov

Veterans Benefits If you are a veteran, you may be eligible for health care assistance through the Veterans Affairs clinic. For information, contact: Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic 543 Taylor Avenue 43203 (614) 257-5200

LEGAL SERVICES Legal Assistance If you have problems with housing, public utilities, child support, unemployment or welfare benefits and cannot afford regular legal fees, the following agencies may be able to help. For assistance contact: Capital University Legal Clinic 303 East Broad Street 43215 (614) 236-6245 Aug-May Columbus Bar Association 175 South Third Street 43215 th 11 Floor (614) 221-0754 Lawyer Referral Service Community Mediation Services of Central Ohio 67 Jefferson Avenue 43215 Second Floor (614) 228-7191 Legal Aid Society of Columbus 40 West Gay Street 43215 (614) 224-8374 Appointments

COPING WITH UNEMPLOYMENT Living through a financial crisis can be stressful for you and your family. It can lead to feelings of sadness, anger, depression, fear or lack of energy. These feelings are natural and usually temporary. There are several positive ways of dealing with these feelings:

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Take Care of Yourself • • • • • • • • • •

Keep physically active to relieve tension.

Eat healthy foods.

Get enough rest.

Take up a new recreational activity you always wished to start.

Take advantage of community activities and resources.

Watch local papers for free events and programs.

Get involved in a volunteer activity.

Develop a support system.

Catch problems while they are small.

Recognize the effects of stress, and seek help if needed.

Counseling Services It is important to identify your feelings and share them with a trusted friend or relative. You may choose to visit a professional for an objective opinion. If feelings of anxiety and depression continue over an extended period of time, it is advisable for you to seek help. For an appointment, call: Concord, Inc. (614) 882-9338

North Central Mental Health Services (614) 299-6600

Columbus Area, Inc. (614) 252-0711

North Community Counseling Services (614) 846-2588

Directions Counseling Group (614) 888-9200

Northwest Counseling Services (614) 457-7876

Dublin Counseling Center (614) 889-5722

Ridge Counseling Center (614) 273-0297

Life Counseling Services (614) 239-9965

Sounding Board Counseling Center (614) 231-1164

Lighthouse Counseling Services (614) 337-1986

Southeast, Inc (614) 225-0990

For more options, call FIRSTLINK’s 24 hour referral line at (614) 221-2255 or 211.

For crisis intervention or emergency assessment services, contact NetCare Corporation’s 24 hour crisis hotline at (614) 276-2273

Childcare Options When facing a period of unemployment, your childcare needs may change. When returning to work, you may need different childcare arrangements for your new schedule. For help in locating and selecting a childcare program, including day care centers, school age programs, summer camps, in-home care and nursery schools, call: Action for Children 78 Jefferson Avenue 43215 (614) 224-0222

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In addition, you may be eligible for one of several financial assistance programs that help cover the cost of childcare. Apply for Title XX, a childcare subsidy, at the nearest FCDJFS Opportunity Center.

Franklin County Department of Job and Family Services (FCDJFS) Administrative Offices 80 East Fulton Street 43215 (614) 462-4000

Volunteering Doing volunteer work in an area that interests you is a great way to help yourself and others while you look for a job. Volunteering can help you to: • • • • • • •

Maintain job skills Gain new skills Make valuable employment contacts and/or new friends Structure your time during your job search Expand your professional network in a certain field Have fun Make a difference

FIRSTLINK has information on more than 2,100 ongoing and special event volunteer opportunities. Search online (www.firstlink.org)under Volunteer Opportunities or call for further assistance in choosing an opportunity that’s right for you: FIRSTLINK (614) 221-2255 or 211 24 hours Mon-Sun Information and Referral

JOB SEARCH TIPS Think positively. If you are fully committed to your job search, then you are no longer “unemployed”. In fact, you have a full time job: finding a job! This just might be a great opportunity in disguise!

Successful job seekers need information and well-developed job hunting skills. Visit your local career center, or access online resources that outline important steps in the job search, tips on interviewing/negotiating, and offer resume templates. Start with www.careerbuilder.com, www.jobsearch.about.com, www.jobtrak.com, and www.monster.com .

Assessment Before seeking employment, start by assessing your present skills and talents. The purpose is to identify your values, interests, skills, accomplishments, experience, and goals. Most public libraries and bookstores have self-help or career development sections with books that can get you started. Write down your job skills and personal qualifications or take a career personality test.

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Taking a career personality test is a little like playing ‘what do you want to be when you grow up?’ with a twist. The twist is that personality tests can give you direction and ideas based on your personality type and aptitude. Remember that the results indicate your talents, but are not a complete assessment of what you can do. See Career Counseling section for resources.

Job Information Sources Talk to your friends, neighbors and relatives; conversations may lead you to job openings. In addition to the want ads, contact your professional or trade association, Chamber of Commerce, your union or local employment office. Complete the following worksheet to identify people who can assist you in your job search.

Networking Worksheet COLLEAGUES

Former Employers

Educators

CHURCH CONTACTS

FRIENDS

RELATIVES

CLASSMATES

NEIGHBORS

LEISURE/CLUB CONTACTS

ACCONTANTS/BANKERS

GOVERNMENT

LAWYERS

Resume A resume is your first and most important introduction to a prospective employer. It should be concise. Contact your local library for books on resume writing, or seek help from a career counseling center (see below).

Career Counseling

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Career counseling is especially helpful if you are considering a career change or have been out of the job market for some time. Career counselors assist with researching job openings, writing/perfecting resumes, interviewing skills, job training, job placement, and/or emotional support. For both men’s and women’s career counseling, contact: New Directions Career Center 370 South Fifth Street, Suite G1 43215 849-0028 http://www.newdirectionscareercenter.org Center of Vocational Alternatives (COVA) 3770 North High Street 43214 294-7117 http://www.cova.org Walk-in for orientation at 1:30p Tue, Thu. Appointments are optional.

For more options, call FIRSTLINK’s 24 hour referral line at (614) 221-2255 or 211.

Career Clothing A positive first impression is crucial in a job interview. New Directions Clothing Closet offers nearly new women’s business attire for a minimal fee. No men’s attire available.

New Directions Career Center 50 West Main Street 43215 nd (614) 849-0028 10a-4p Wed, Fri, Sat and 10a-6:30p 2 Wed of month For both men’s and women’s career clothing, contact: Shepherd’s Place 1729 Brice Road 43068 (614) 866-1680 Walk-in 10a-7p Wed and 10a-noon Sat. Westside Free Store 3030 Sullivant Avenue 43204 351-5480 Walk in 10a-1p Mon; 3p-6p Thu and noon-3p Sat. FIRSTLINK (614) 221-2255 or 211 24 hours Mon-Sun Information and Referral Line

Interviewing This is your opportunity to show potential employers that you are the best candidate for the job. Be prepared. Research the company ahead of time and be familiar with its mission, services, products, market area, financial history, etc. Prepare a list of questions to ask the interviewer. Practicing the interview with someone may better prepare you for the actual interview. Dress appropriately, arrive early and relax. Use the following Job Search Log to track your job hunting success.

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Job Search Log

COMPANY

contact/ interviewer

action steps/ results

Appendix A Federal Poverty Level Chart 19

date

Annual Income Requirements: Family Size

100%

125%

150% PIPP

EFSP

HWAP Crisis Cooling

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

$9,570 $12,830 $ 16,090 $19,350 $22,610 $25,870 $29,130 $32,390

$11,963 $16,038 $20,113 $24,188 $28,263 $32,338 $36,413 $40,488

$14,355 $19,245 $24,135 $29,025 $33,915 $38,805 $43,695 $48,585

165% Project Warm Up (between 165% and 200%)

175%

185%

200%

HEAP

Car repair through PRC

Project Warm Up (between 165% and 200%)

$16,748 $22,453 $28,158 $33,863 $39,568 $45,273 $50,978 $56,683

$17,705 $23,736 $29,767 $35,798 $41,829 $47,860 $53,891 $59,922

250%

General PRC (165% or less)

$15,791 $21,170 $26,549 $31,928 $37,307 $42,686 $48,065 $53,444

$19,140 $25,660 $32,180 $38,700 $45,220 $51,740 $58,260 $64,780

$23,925 $32,075 $40,225 $48,375 $56,525 $64,675 $72,825 $80,975

For families larger than 8, add $3,260 for each additional person. For a pregnancy, use a family size of 1 person.

Monthly Income Requirements Family Size 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

100% $798 $1,069 $1,341 $1,613 $1,884 $2,156 $2,428 $2,699

125% $997 $1,336 $1,676 $2,016 $2,355 $2,695 $3,034 $3,374

150% $1,196 $1,604 $2,011 $2,419 $2,826 $3,234 $3,641 $4,049

165% $1,317 $1,764 $2,213 $2,661 $3,109 $3,557 $4,006 $4,453

175%

185%

$1,396 $1,871 $2,346 $2,822 $3,297 $3,773 $4,248 $4,724

$1,476 $1,978 $2,481 $2,984 $3,485 $3,989 $4,492 $4,993

200% $1,595 $2,138 $2,682 $3,225 $3,768 $4,312 $4,855 $5,398

250% $1,994 $2,673 $3,352 $4,031 $ 4,710 $5,390 $6,069 $6,748

For families larger than 8, add $271 for each additional person. For a pregnancy, use a family size of 1 person.

(For Project Warm Up, household income must be between 165%-200% of federal poverty level. Requires children under 18 (or a pregnancy) in the household.)

(For the PRC program (through FCDJFS), household income must be 165% or less of federal poverty level. Requires children under 18 (or a pregnancy) in the household.)

Feb 2006

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