Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, November 22, 1994 TAG: 9411220128
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: BETSY BIESENBACH STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Yvonne (not her real name) has sent resumes everywhere, she said, but has had no luck. She believes her age - 42 - may be a problem, along with the fact that although her former workplace was computerized, it didn't use the programs that are popular today. She has taken classes to learn the programs, but it's the kind of knowledge that doesn't do her any good unless she can use it every day, she said.
Like many people, Yvonne wants a career, not just a job. Her friends tell her she ought to take part-time work, even if it means a minimum-wage job in a fast-food restaurant. Yvonne says she will if that is the only way she can put food on the table for her 11-year-old daughter.
But that hasn't happened yet. Yvonne has not resigned herself to giving up.
Before she was laid off, Yvonne was fairly well-off. She and her husband had a house, a car, nice clothes and nearly everything they needed.
When she lost her job, Yvonne's life fell apart. Soon afterward, her husband left her. Then her father died.
Her company had given her a good severance package, and she was able to pay off her car and live on the rest for six months. After the money ran out, her family helped, so Yvonne's daughter hasn't really noticed a difference in their lifestyle.
In November, Yvonne cashed in a life insurance policy that she hoped would tide her over for another month. She also counts on staying healthy, since she and her daughter do not have medical coverage.
But in October, the power company was going to shut off the electricity unless Yvonne paid her bill. So she went to Roanoke Area Ministries and was given $75 from the Good Neighbors Fund.
"I was between a rock and a hard place," she said. She went to RAM because she owns her house and her car and does not qualify for any other type of assistance, she said.
"I think this is a fantastic organization," she said. RAM employees are "compassionate, understanding, sincere and kind."
If nothing turns up soon, Yvonne plans to sign up with a temporary service, despite her desire to find full-time work.
Since she was laid off, Yvonne has earned a license in her field, which she did not want to identify, said RAM Director Julie Hollingsworth. She hopes to be earning commissions soon, but business has been slow in coming.
Yvonne said she does not feel upset about her situation. "I think I handle it pretty well." But her voice breaks slightly when she talks about her problems. Seconds later, however, she has herself back under control. "You have to have faith," she said.
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by CNB