Story Collection Center » Economic Stimulus/Jobs

Gaining life long skills

mdevoll — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 18:59:39 +0000

I was having a hard time finding a job a few months ago when I heard about the Employment & Training Program at West End Neighborhood House through a friend who was already in the program. I made an appointment and sat in on one of the classes. Right away, I knew it was the right place for me. I had no work experience, no resume, no cover letter, no interview skills and I didn’t know how to find or apply for jobs online. I’ve been in the Employment program for three and a half months now and I’ve gained a lot of confidence. Now I have an e-mail address and know how to send my resume out to different employers. Now I have confidence in job interviews and know how to assert myself, I feel like I’ve really enhanced my communication skills.

Thanks to this program, I’m starting a new job in two weeks loading and unloading trucks at a store in New Castle. It feels so good to have accomplished this; it’s a great feeling to be a productive member of society, be part of the workforce and be able to take care of my family.

I think there should be more stimulus-funded employment programs like the one at West End to help Americans who are struggling. In my class, I sit next to former bankers, paralegals and out-of-work lawyers. We’re struggling together because of how bad the economy is. The Employment program has been a great thing for me and I hope other people can get the same help I did.

Anthony

New Homeowner

mdevoll — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 21:00:10 +0000

I purchased my home on August 3, 2009. After contemplating a wide variety of variables including the $8,000 First Time Homebuyer Credit tax credit, I decided that it was an appropriate time for me to make such an investment and work towards my future. Without the tax credit as a very strong incentive to make such a purchase, I can say with certainty that I would not have bought a home. After my closing, I kept track of the items I bought for my home, including dishes, towels, paint, furniture and home decor. I purchased a majority of these items at local retailers. In total, I spent nearly $2000 on making my new home mine. I feel that this stimulus money certainly enticed me to jump into the housing market and generate revenue for locally-owned businesses.

Now that tax time is upon us, I am in the midst of filing for my tax refund, including my First Time Homebuyer credit. I look forward to putting that money back in the bank. In addition to purchasing a home, I’ve decided to return to school and seek my Master’s degree in Public Administration.

Without President Obama’s First Time Homebuyer Credit incentive program, I would not be a homeowner or a graduate school student today.

Lauren

Hospice Care at Risk

kellis — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 04:19:48 +0000

My name is Melissa. I am a registered nurse for hospice. Every day I have to worry that the company I work for will not be able to continue what we do because medicare doesn’t believe hospice patients are dying. I realize that medicare must be careful and make cut backs and be careful of the budget. However, when a doctor certifies a patient is elligible for hospice they are saying they have done all they can for someone. This is not something easily done, by any health care professional. I would imagine if a senator’s loved one was dying they would want a hospice nurse to care for their dying loved one. Sadly,the rich and the poor are unaffected. It’s the people in the middle who are at risk of losing their rights.

Melissa