United Way is taking appointments this week for the Laid-Off Workers Center’s March session

WICHITA, Kan., Feb. 15, 2010 -- United Way of the Plains is taking calls Feb. 15 – 19 to set up appointments for the Laid-Off Workers Center’s March session.

To set up an appointment, individuals must call United Way’s information number by dialing 2‑1‑1 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. (this is a toll-free number). The deadline to call for an appointment for the March session is Friday, Feb. 19. The center will be open on a monthly basis as needed beyond March.

To qualify for help through the Laid-Off Workers Center, laid-off workers must:

• Show that they have emergency financial needs and have insufficient personal resources to adequately provide food, clothing and/or shelter; and
• Pre-register to set up an appointment by calling United Way’s information number 2-1-1;
• Have been laid off and approved for unemployment compensation sometime since October 1, 2008 (not fired, quit, or on medical leave);

Services at the Laid-Off Workers Center include:

• Emergency financial assistance for those who qualify (mortgage/rent, electric, gas and water). Checks will be written directly to the lender, landlord or utility company.
• Budget and debt management counseling
• Help applying for government programs
• Job training and job search assistance
• Continuing education information
• Food assistance
• Community volunteering information
• On-site child care services during the appointment

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MEDIA CONTACT: Delane Butler, Vice President of Marketing, 267-1321