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Stories of struggle and recovery in America: Msnbc.com is focusing long-term coverage on the city of Elkhart, Ind. to provide perspective on the national recession. Follow our ongoing coverage on msnbc.com. Want to share your thoughts on the how the recession is playing out in Elkhart or in your community? Comment on any of the blog posts below or become a blog contributor. Learn how

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{"contentId":"3568520","authorDomain":"elkhartprojectblog"}

Jobless workers fill the void, and local needs

News Type: Event — Mon Nov 30, 2009 8:38 PM EST

us-news, recession, unemployment, human-resources, nonprofits

kari-huus

For those who are out of work and used to working there is first of all the problem of stretching resources to survive. Then there's the problem of boredom. As The Elkhart Truth reported on Monday, many unemployed workers in the area are filling the void with volunteer work--helping out at food pantries, building low-cost housing, and planting community gardens.

Though the work doesn't pay the water bill, the benefits are real. Besides being good for the soul, it's an opportunity to stay in the mix, and network.
"Sitting at home worrying takes a toll on a person, and employers can sense that in an interview" the story reported, citing a human resource expert, while "referencing volunteer work in a cover letter or interview could also make a candidate more desirable." It's also good news for charities; the volunteers at help stretch services at a time when donations are scarce.

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Groups: The Elkhart Project
Regions: South Bend/Elkhart

Public Discussion (6)

{"commentId":10969335,"authorDomain":"bevatjlodge"}

bevatjlodgeDeleted

{"commentId":10982112,"authorDomain":"stressed4"}

stressed-1496866

what about the ones of us who are disabled and have been deemed disabled by several specialists so we can draw unemployment, but social security disability and ssi decide we arent disabled. We cant work and cant get any help either and have lost just about everything just to get told after a year of appealing the social security admin. that you will have to wait 18-24 months for a hearing but in the meantime it is ok you have no utilities and no way to care for your children and here is some money but it wont even pay one of your bills but we just cant help you.

You wouldnt believe how many people who are like myself and my husband who have a terminal disease that get denied social security disability and get left with nothing and no help and we have 2 small children, but we get swept under the carpet and pushed to the side.

{"commentId":10982112,"threadId":"736068","contentId":"3568520","authorDomain":"stressed4"}

#2 - Tue Dec 1, 2009 9:40 PM EST

{"commentId":10986327,"authorDomain":"Gallileasees4u"}

PK5

That's been my struggle as well! When the Voc Rehab dept of the Dept of Labor sent me in for a mountain of tests, all of them came back citing my carpal tunnel, the back injury and the progressive degeneration of my cartilege, etc... However, when it came down to actually doing something to help me, (after being told to be "patient" for two years in the program while looking for work that took into account my disabilites - which that office seemed to conveniently "forget" I had!), I was denied continuation in the program and was, in effect, kicked out I'm 51, my daughter has not even been able to find work, and now, my ex-husband is losing his job to technology! Where do I go? (I actually have a hearing with OSHA, but, I'm STILL waiting to hear "when" that's going to be - and even then, I've been told by the people who would be representing me; the Voc Rehab office could stil be "allowed" to dismiss me without any further "help" involved! It was very easy to get them to agree to do tests on me which de-humanized, physically tortured and emotionally traumatized me - but, now the "payoff" is this: Even if I "win" the case, they are STILL "allowed" to deny me! How is THAT fair?

{"commentId":10986327,"threadId":"736068","contentId":"3568520","authorDomain":"Gallileasees4u"}

#2.1 - Wed Dec 2, 2009 1:55 AM EST

{"commentId":10982203,"authorDomain":"jazzy321"}

jazzy321

These places that ask for volunteers are able to help those who are volunteering . Or they can direct them to an agency to help them. Many foundations are available. They are able to sign up and assist with lights, gas and utilities, and get food. The resources are out there.

I have been in a place , once in my life, when I needed help. If you have the fortitude and aren't to proud to ask , especially if you have children, people will listen .

In my upbringing I was taught that if you get your mind off of yourself and think of someone else , think about how blessed you really are, start to give of yourself. More time for others. Help that neighbor cut his/her grass, grocery shop or clean the house of that elderly woman. Walk someone's dog. Be just downright neighborly. Get to know who you live by. Help each other.

We all live one day at a time. We can only solve problems together.

{"commentId":10982203,"threadId":"736068","contentId":"3568520","authorDomain":"jazzy321"}

#3 - Tue Dec 1, 2009 9:44 PM EST

{"commentId":10987251,"authorDomain":"redeyesr"}

jim, potter county Pa.

my son and grandson are both getting SSDI and both have defibrillators in their chest both of them are veterans !!!!! both of them where fiddled around by the SSI group for over a year . both of them finally retained lawyers to finally get what they had coming all along . the really good news is they got the whole thing retroactive . good luck!!

{"commentId":10987251,"threadId":"736068","contentId":"3568520","authorDomain":"redeyesr"}

#4 - Wed Dec 2, 2009 5:32 AM EST

{"commentId":11490421,"authorDomain":"RANDYLEAR"}

Randy-1537750

one of the most viable industries has all but left elkhart. manufactured housing has lost so many great manufactures, and dealers. the financing just dried up, not available, banks won't even talk to people about financing manufactured housing. new rules and new regulations could surely help solve the problem. it may not bring back the "good old days" but may bring back a new day for elkhart workers and businessmen. this is an industry that needs help from the bottom up. where is the help from washington? write your congressman and tell them what you want citizens. write washington, sometimes they listen to us, even the small people from elkhart, indiana. made in the u.s.a.

{"commentId":11490421,"threadId":"736068","contentId":"3568520","authorDomain":"RANDYLEAR"}

#5 - Fri Jan 1, 2010 9:44 AM EST

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Jobless workers fill the void, and local needs

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