Monday, April 18, 2011

United Way of the Plains is taking calls Apr. 18 - 22 to set up appointments for the Laid-Off Workers Center’s May session. To set up an appointment, individuals must call United Way’s information number by dialing 2‑1‑1 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. (this is a toll-free number). The deadline to call for an appointment for the May session is Friday, Apr. 22. The center will be open on a monthly basis as needed beyond May.

To qualify for help through the Laid-Off Workers Center, laid-off workers must:

• Pre-register to set up an appointment by calling United Way’s information number 2-1-1;


• Have been laid off and approved for unemployment compensation sometime since October 1, 2008 (not fired, quit, or on medical leave);


• Show that they have emergency financial needs and have insufficient personal resources to adequately provide food, clothing and/or shelter; and


• Have been laid off from a job in Sedgwick, Butler or Sumner counties, or lived in those counties at the time of the layoff, between Oct. 1, 2008, and the present.

Services at the Laid-Off Workers Center include:

• Emergency financial assistance for those who qualify (mortgage/rent, electric, gas and water). Checks will be written directly to the lender, landlord or utility company.


• Budget and debt management counseling


• Help applying for government programs


• Job training and job search assistance


• Continuing education information


• Food assistance


• Community volunteering information


• On-site child care services during the appointment