JCC and UJA-Federation of NY provide assistance for residents

The recession has had a profound affect on individuals and families and the Five Towns community is no exception. Since the meltdown in 2008 many area residents have found themselves without a job, or working for less than what they had been earning. Many find it hard to make ends meet, or find a job.

For those searching for work, there are a number of obstacles including the lack of jobs or stiff competition from other applicants vying for the same job. Looking for work is very different from even just a few years ago and more so for those who haven’t had to do so in ten or 20 years. Help wanted ads and employment agencies are not enough. Social networking sites like LinkedIn and other Internet tools are the new norm in helping to find a job.

To meet the needs of those struggling with job losses and other issues related to the economy, the JCC of the Greater Five Towns, with the support of UJA-Federation of NY launched Connect to Care in May 2009. The free program offers services to assist with employment and career transition counseling, job networking, financial consultation, debt counseling and foreclosure prevention. Also included are supportive counseling and Jewish spiritual care. Presently, nearly 350 people participate in the program.

“The economic downfall has affected a wide range of professions and age groups,” said Connect to Care counselor Talia Rapps, LMSW. “We are serving those in their early 20s to people on the cusp of retirement, all of whom are facing economic difficulties.”

Ms. Rapps, who runs Connect to Care’s support group for unemployed, tells of the Five Towns family of five with two autistic children where the parents, both professionals with college degrees, found themselves unemployed. They turned to Connect to Care for help and although one of the spouses is now working, they are not making nearly what they had been earning previously. Connect to Care has helped them find the resources to help manage their reduced income and find assistance to help put food on their table.