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Counselors get help to give help to jobless

Wednesday, April 01, 2009

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FLINT (WJRT) -- (04/01/09) -- With job loss comes a lot of questions. One group is working to teach others how to answer some of them.

Today's meeting at U of M-Flint was intended to train the trainers so they can take back what they learned to the community and let people know, that, even though they're unemployed, they still have options.

Anyone who's been laid off knows the feeling. "All of a sudden, and you're without a job. It's such a loss," Peer-to-Peer Counselor Jack Stone said.

It can be even harder navigating the unemployment line. "It can be disjointing and demoralizing to try and get help when you can't get it," National Employment Law Project member Andrew Stettner said.

That's why the National Employment Law Project headed to U of M-Flint today. Peer-to-peer counselors from community groups and companies all over the state met to learn from each other.

When it comes to unemployment, they've been there. Many have picked up pink slips and buyouts first hand.

"Profits, record sales. All of a sudden it stopped...we are all laid off," Stone said.

Now they educate themselves about what Mid-Michigan's jobless need to know.

"You want to definitely network," Stone advised.

Darrell Stevens is a Counselor for UAW Local 651. "There are a lot of agencies out there, locally, that are there to assist people."

"Information out there get more tools so people can get the help they need," Stettner added.

From food stamps to training programs, there is a safety net.

These counselors are working for one common goal: hope.

"It's a little easier to talk to someone who's in the same boat that you are," Stevens said.