Employment Assistance Provides Hope for Homeless

Sometimes all it takes is one small misstep to turn a life
upside down.

For Rita, that slip began with a knee injury received while stepping off a curb.

In the ensuing months of diagnosis, treatment, and recuperation, Rita found herself with dwindling job options in a small Kansas town and ultimately headed for Wichita in hopes of finding work.

Without a place to stay, Rita landed in a local shelter where she heard about the employment center and other programs at Episcopal Social Services, an agency funded, in part, by United Way.

In addition to resume writing, Internet access, computerized skills training, fax and telephone, the Employment Center is equipped with volunteers and staff providing one-on-one assistance. "The individuals here are more than congenial and helpful," says Rita. "If you have a question, you can ask and if they don’t have an answer, they’ll get back to you with one."

Robert Hirst, teen intervention and employment supervisor, concurs, adding that the people make all the difference. "Our volunteers are very positive people who give a lot of good encouragement, and through them, people have experienced a lot of compassion and caring here that they might not elsewhere."

Once employed, the agency also supplied Rita with fuel vouchers until her first paycheck arrived. "Had I not had that gas I would not have been able to drive to and from work," she recalls.

In fact, by using the center’s services, Rita landed not one, but two jobs that helped her get back on her feet.

In 2003, more than 5,600 walk-in visitors used the Employment Center services, which includes vocational assessment, life skills training, and job-seeking workshops for SRS referrals.

"We think it’s important for people in the jobless situation to have a class that reminds them they are valued and that helps them deal with depression and other concerns," explains Hirst.

For Rita, the agency provided a firm foundation on which to begin anew. "I know now that life will always present new challenges. But I think Wichita is blessed to have a program like this that keeps the doors open and treats every individual with dignity and respect."

This Employment Center is one of many programs that United Way of the Plains supports in its Meeting Basic Needs impact area (see more at right).

Call United Way of the Plains at 267-1321 to find out more about how your money is helping our community.

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United Way makes an impact on community issues

Issue:
Meeting Basic Needs

United Way Actions:
Fund nine programs that help people gain self-sufficiency (more information)

Results:
Individuals gain skills needed to get jobs that provide basic needs such as food and shelter.

Meeting Basic Needs is one of four community impact areas that United Way of the Plains addresses to meet multiple needs in this community.

United Way is committed to focusing on the issues that this community cares about most.