Community Support for Tough Times

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