Helping Those who are facing Unemployment

A man willing to work, and unable to find work,

is perhaps the saddest sight that fortune's

inequality exhibits under the sun. --Thomas Carlyle

Our good friends and family know what we went thru from July 07-July 08 as we endured unemployment. I am grateful to say that is no longer the case. But just this week, I have seen and heard about alot of others who are going thru the same thing with their families.

It is with concern and humility I offer these suggestions to those of you who are not experiencing unemployment but want to help those that are:

*If you have a friend who is unemployed, or a friend whose spouse is unemployed, encourage them to talk about it. Networking is an important step in finding work.

* Don't let your friend give up hope. Encourage him or her to continue sending out resumes, even when feeling depressed or discouraged. To give up is to lose out.

* Tell your friend it's okay to take a cut in pay. It's better than remaining unemployed.

*Be sensitive to lack of finances. Don't invite the person to participate in things that cost money.

*Bring in dinner for the family & arrange to have others do the same.

*If the person talks about needing clothes for this or that, offer the use of yours or your children's or ask if they are okay with hand-me-downs (in great condition). This is sensitive; wait until you see a real need, and be respectful.

* Offer to run errands, take kids to school, pick up groceries, etc. to conserve gas.

* Keep an eye out for bargains, whether at the grocery store or even clip coupons to share with your friend.

* If you notice their kids being left out of things that cost money (field trips, sports activites, etc.) offer to pay their way if you can afford to. When you do this, it is better to talk to the coach or director or teacher and have him tell the family that there is no cost for their child. Often the family is too proud to accept money from others.

-from "The Kindness Handbook" by Jeri-Lyn Johnson

And now from my point of veiw, having been there not too long ago:

*Encourage the person and their spouse if there is one, to meet with their Bishop and Relief Society President, to receive much-needed reassurance that they are not alone in this trial.

*Check up on the person at their home, to make sure the person is able to take care of daily duties such as cooking and cleaning. It is normal to grieve over the loss of a job, and to want to pull inward, but too much isolation leads to a skewed perspective, which fuels depression.

*Pray for the person and their family, and let them know they are in your prayers. I cannot express my gratitude for our dear friends and family who offered prayers on our behalf.

*Invite the person to lunch. Keep them involved in social things so they don't lose their social connections.

*Remind them that this trial will end, and while they do not have control over WHEN it will end, they DO have control over how they endure this trial and to keep the "finish-line" in mind while going thru this challenge.

*If they have children, remind them that this too, is a teaching opportunity for them and their children. We need to show our children how to endure trials and challenges in this life--we do not crumble into hopelessness.

We do not withdraw from family and friends.

We do not let go of our faith.

We do not project our fears onto our children.

We DO show them we are trying our best to get through this time of uncertainty by leaning into our faith--going to our meetings, having family prayer, seeking Priesthood blessings, being patient with one another and never never pointing fingers at one another or seek to place blame.

We do seek opportunities for employment with an Optimistic attitude and a focused effort.

We talk about the future in positive terms.

We get on our knees and teach our children how to express gratitude for all of our blessings before we plead for the blessing of Work.

I hope that these suggestions help someone else. My motivation to "show my best" at the time was for the benefit for my family. I wanted them to come out of this trial stronger than when we went into it. I can say, with great appreciation and profound gratitude, that we have.

On the street I saw a small girl, cold and shivering

in a thin dress, with little hope of a decent meal. I

became angry and said to God, "Why did you permit this?

Why don't you do something about it?"

For a while God said nothing...then he said,

"I certainly did do something about it, I made you."

--Author Unknown