 As many people continue to face a tough time in this economy, Women's Resource Center (WRC) is helping an increasing number of women find sustainable employment. In order to keep assisting women on their journey to economic self-sufficiency, WRC relies on and appreciates your continued financial support. Another way you can support WRC is to attend our 3rd Annual Wine, Women & Chocolate event coming up on September 17. Keep watching for more information on this fabulous event! |
Exhausted Unemployment Benefits Lead to an "Economic Tsunami"
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A recent National Employment Law Project (NELP) Analysis estimates that "540,000 Americans will exhaust their
unemployment insurance benefits by the end of September, and a staggering 1.5
million will run out of coverage by the end of the year." The coming waves of people exhausting their unemployment benefits are known as the "economic tsunami."
 The importance of unemployment benefits can not be ignored.
According to economist Mark Zandi of Moody's Economy.com, a $1 increase in
unemployment benefits generates about $1.64 in near-term GDP because recipients
tend to be so in need of the funds they receive, that they spend them right away.
To read the full NELP analysis, click here.
This especially hits home in our area, as Michigan has the highest
unemployment rate in the nation as of July 2009 at 14.1%. By the end of
2009, over 70,000 Michigan residents are projected to have exhausted
their unemployment benefits.
It is a time of uncertainty for many of us. If you are unemployed, consider joining our Job Seekers Support Group. It's just one of the ways WRC gives women the strategies and skills they need to find employment!
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Become a Facebook Fan of WRC!
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You can help Women's Resource Center reach its goal of having 1,000 Facebook fans by October 31! Click here to become a fan of WRC's page and keep up-to-date on all the latest happening here.
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I Can Do That!
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Michelle, a
single mom with two young children, recently came to WRC and told us "being self-sufficient is my goal, especially without the father of my kids."
Michelle sat down with a caseworker who listened to all of her questions, which was different from Michelle's experience with other agencies that were "more worried about the paperwork...than the individual."
After just one week of job searching at WRC, Michelle landed an interview at a gas station. Michelle recounts her interview, saying, "She needed someone for second shift and I said 'I can do that.' Then
she said what she was really looking for was an assistant manager and I said 'I
can do that.' And I started three days later as a cashier and my goal is to get
that assistant manager position!"
Michelle has continued working at the gas station and was recently promoted to a full-time cashier position that includes benefits.
Best wishes to Michelle for continued success!
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In Her Words
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 Every year, Women's Resource Center
offers academic scholarships to women who want to continue their education or
return to school. Suzanne, a client who received an academic scholarship
from the WRC in 2007, was able to pursue her LPN degree. She found a nursing job within six weeks of
graduation and has been working full-time ever since!
In describing WRC's Academic Scholarship Program, Suzanne
commented, "The program is amazing! It gave me direction and confidence
at a
time when I was down and out. I had three children, my husband had left, and to
have
someone believe in me was huge."
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Thank You for Reading!
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I sincerely hope that we have provided you with valuable information about WRC and women's issues. Keep a look out for future e-newsletters. If you have any comments or suggestions, please share your input with us by emailing lmichael@grwrc.org.
Sharon Caldwell-Newton
Executive Director
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You're Invited!
3rd Annual Wine Women & Chocolate
September 17
Join WRC at
LEED certified
Rapid Central Station for an urban evening of delicious hors d'oeuvres, gourmet chocolates, and flavorful wines.
The program features comments and book signing with author of the "Chocoholic" mystery novels, Joanna Carl. An inspirational testimony from a WRC client and a mystery raffle round out the evening.
All proceeds will benefit WRC and its comprehensive employment services for women.
Tickets:
Author Reception 4:00 - 5:00 pm
$50 each
(includes admission to main event)
Main Event Only
5:00 - 7:30 pm
$25 each
Women and men are both welcome.
Complimentary valet parking.
Call 616-458-5443 for additional information and tickets. | |
Women's Resource Center
is funded in part by:
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