Tough times economically force workers to look for public services to support basic needs. It’s understandable that many of us who never had to ask for help feel embarrassed or humiliated to even consider asking for public assistance. Still, who is more entitled to support than those of us who have contributed to the social programs of our communities—either through our volunteer efforts, direct donations or taxes?
At the invitation of Allen Gjersvig, Executive Director of the Keogh Health Foundation, I was a presenter in a panel of community leaders offering information for the unemployed and under-employed about community resources available to Arizona citizens and legal residents.
Keogh Health Foundation assists AZ’s vulnerable population to secure affordable healthcare during times of personal crises, primarily focusing on disadvantaged women and their children participating in programs to achieve self-sufficiency.
There are other resources where you can do an online assessment to determine eligibility for services:
Arizona 211 Online
Helps you find resources from child care, jobs, health care, and insurance - to State and local emergency bulletins and alerts that are vital in times of disaster or emergency. Arizona 2-1-1 Online was developed in partnership with government, tribal, non-profit and community groups to help you find the resources and information you need.
Arizona Self Help can tell you if you might qualify for programs supporting: food and nutrition, housing and utilities, healthcare, financial benefits and senor and disabled services.
I also met with Stephen Zabilski, Executive Director of St. Vincent de Paul, an organization in service in Phoenix since 1946. Through home visits, shelter, food assistance, employment services, thrift stores and outreach programs, St. Vincent de Paul provides compassion and support to individuals in need, regardless of race, origin, religion or gender. They also provide hot meals regularly and there are no screenings or eligibility requirements to go there to eat. HELP LINE - If you need assistance with utility bills, a food box, or other financial assistance, call Information and Referral at 602-263-8856.
Another thing I learned was the Food Stamps program, sponsored by AZ Community Action Association, is only utilized about 50% of its capacity. Applications are available through www.arizonaselfhelp.org/ Or call the AZ Food Stamp Info Hotline: 1-800-352-8401. The National Food Stamp hotline: 1-800-221-5689.
Scottsdale Job Network (SJN) is a charitable organization of job seekers and others volunteering their time to help them in their career transitions. The group attracts career coaches and business leaders who volunteer to run the group and make presentations. SJN offers the Job Search Curriculum series of presentations on job search skills including how to develop a marketing plan, write a resume, network and interview.
Meetings are held on the first and third Tuesday mornings, 9:00-11:30 A.M. We meet at and use space donated by Temple Chai, 4645 E. Marilyn Road, Phoenix, AZ 85032-4839. Job seekers are offered the opportunity to network, learn new job search skills, and work with people who genuinely care about them See www.scottsdalejobnet.com for meeting dates and programs scheduled.
This is by no means a complete list, and I encourage my job seekers to take care of yourselves and have faith and keep plugging—many people care, including all of us at SJN!
God bless and good wishes.
Christine Vicari-SJN
Founder-Executive Director
Friday, September 26, 2008
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Chris Vicari-SJN Wins Service Award
It is my honor to share the news that I have been selected as one of the FRANCES YOUNG COMMUNITY HEROES for 2008. This award, sponsored by The City of Scottsdale, General Dynamics and The Tribune, recognizes individuals making extraordinary efforts to improve the quality of life in the community. The award ceremony will take place in Scottsdale on October 16, 2008.
Read the nomination written by Ruben M. Camacho, Job Preparation Specialist, City of Scottsdale-Vista del Camino Center and edited by Martha Rockwell, A+ Resumes and Career Coaching.
"Chris Vicari is Founder and Executive Director of the Scottsdale Job Network (SJN), a group that provides support to all individuals in career transition. Currently, this non-profit entity serves over 600 members. Working an average of 30 to 35 hours per week, Chris volunteers her time with no compensation. She oversees the Board of Directors of eight members and a list of volunteers who give their time in behalf of the group. Growing and serving Scottsdale and the entire Phoenix Metropolitan area, Temple Chai in Phoenix has donated the use of a larger building and staff services at no cost.
"Chris has worked tirelessly by providing valuable information and hope at each meeting. In addition to having local companies advertise current openings, guest speakers deliver presentations on resume writing, interviewing, networking, finance management and self esteem. Chris’ enormous commitment and SJN have made a difference in the Scottsdale community.
"Dealing with the loss of a job is a tremendous emotional experience. Affecting the job seeker, the family and community, Chris’ efforts have brought a place where support, healing and education can take place. Scottsdale Job Network offers a safe haven for the broken spirit to rejuvenate and mend."
THANKS TO ALL SJN SUPPORTERS for your dedication to this work we do helping our neighbors--and also businesses--in transition! My humble and profound THANKS to Ruben and Martha for their efforts.
Read the nomination written by Ruben M. Camacho, Job Preparation Specialist, City of Scottsdale-Vista del Camino Center and edited by Martha Rockwell, A+ Resumes and Career Coaching.
"Chris Vicari is Founder and Executive Director of the Scottsdale Job Network (SJN), a group that provides support to all individuals in career transition. Currently, this non-profit entity serves over 600 members. Working an average of 30 to 35 hours per week, Chris volunteers her time with no compensation. She oversees the Board of Directors of eight members and a list of volunteers who give their time in behalf of the group. Growing and serving Scottsdale and the entire Phoenix Metropolitan area, Temple Chai in Phoenix has donated the use of a larger building and staff services at no cost.
"Chris has worked tirelessly by providing valuable information and hope at each meeting. In addition to having local companies advertise current openings, guest speakers deliver presentations on resume writing, interviewing, networking, finance management and self esteem. Chris’ enormous commitment and SJN have made a difference in the Scottsdale community.
"Dealing with the loss of a job is a tremendous emotional experience. Affecting the job seeker, the family and community, Chris’ efforts have brought a place where support, healing and education can take place. Scottsdale Job Network offers a safe haven for the broken spirit to rejuvenate and mend."
THANKS TO ALL SJN SUPPORTERS for your dedication to this work we do helping our neighbors--and also businesses--in transition! My humble and profound THANKS to Ruben and Martha for their efforts.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
How to use your business card when networking
A recent comment suggested the need for networkers to understand business card sharing strategy and courtesy. I asked George Fleming, career coach and SJN supporter, to offer his insights on how our business cards fit into those networking conversations.
Chris Vicari
Founder-Executive Director
Scottsdale Job Network-SJN
How to use your business card when networking
By George Fleming
yourcareercoach1@cox.net
The belief is sometimes held, mistakenly, I might add, that the more business cards you give out in your job search, the quicker you’ll land your next job.
Let’s take a step back, and think about why you got business cards for your search in the first place. You got business cards so that people who want to reach you can do so easily. On your card you have your contact information: telephone number and email address. You got tired of writing this information down on scraps of paper and realized that a card is quicker and more professional. Right?
Now you have a box of these cards – what to do with them? Remember what we said above: you got business cards so that people who want to reach you can do so easily. You’re at an SJN meeting. You chat with somebody, and the two of you decide further conversation is warranted.
So you exchange business cards. And you may write a note on the other person’s card about the reason for you following-up. It now is a reminder of a conversation that will take place in the near future.
Sometimes people attend these events and start passing their cards out as though they’re lottery tickets. And you wind up with cards from people you haven’t really talked to. And as you head for the door to leave…you throw those cards in the trash. They’re meaningless to you.
If you do hold on to them, a week later you throw them in the trash – delayed reaction, same result.
Think of your business card as being the punctuation to a networking conversation. “Call me, and let’s arrange to get together.” “Drop me an email, and I’ll give you the contact information for my friend at that company.”
In short, don’t distribute your business cards indiscriminately. People will not have a positive impression of you; your cards will go in the trash; and you’ll not get any positive assistance with your search.
A final note on business card etiquette: If someone gives you their card, promising a networking contact for your search, you are expected to follow up on getting that contact. Don’t wait for the other person to get back to you. The ball is in your court. Go for it.
Chris Vicari
Founder-Executive Director
Scottsdale Job Network-SJN
How to use your business card when networking
By George Fleming
yourcareercoach1@cox.net
The belief is sometimes held, mistakenly, I might add, that the more business cards you give out in your job search, the quicker you’ll land your next job.
Let’s take a step back, and think about why you got business cards for your search in the first place. You got business cards so that people who want to reach you can do so easily. On your card you have your contact information: telephone number and email address. You got tired of writing this information down on scraps of paper and realized that a card is quicker and more professional. Right?
Now you have a box of these cards – what to do with them? Remember what we said above: you got business cards so that people who want to reach you can do so easily. You’re at an SJN meeting. You chat with somebody, and the two of you decide further conversation is warranted.
So you exchange business cards. And you may write a note on the other person’s card about the reason for you following-up. It now is a reminder of a conversation that will take place in the near future.
Sometimes people attend these events and start passing their cards out as though they’re lottery tickets. And you wind up with cards from people you haven’t really talked to. And as you head for the door to leave…you throw those cards in the trash. They’re meaningless to you.
If you do hold on to them, a week later you throw them in the trash – delayed reaction, same result.
Think of your business card as being the punctuation to a networking conversation. “Call me, and let’s arrange to get together.” “Drop me an email, and I’ll give you the contact information for my friend at that company.”
In short, don’t distribute your business cards indiscriminately. People will not have a positive impression of you; your cards will go in the trash; and you’ll not get any positive assistance with your search.
A final note on business card etiquette: If someone gives you their card, promising a networking contact for your search, you are expected to follow up on getting that contact. Don’t wait for the other person to get back to you. The ball is in your court. Go for it.
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