Recession Proof Your Family

By Allison Berman
November 17, 2009

Ben Bernanke, chairman of the Federal Reserve, says we are coming out of the recession, though it's hard to have faith in his prognosis when we don't yet "feel it" in our daily lives.

We look for the bright side. Our homes are worth significantly less than they were five years ago, but, for some, the lower assessments mean lower property taxes. (That is until towns decide they still need the money and come up with a new mathematical equation to bring in the same number of dollars.)

But it's hard to see that the economy is rebounding when unemployment is still on the rise. And even if we have personally been spared the unemployment line, chances are we know countless people who haven't been quite so fortunate, and we know many more in imminent danger of losing their jobs.

A college friend recently posted a message on LinkedIn announcing his new employment status as a stay-at-home-dad. I took it as a realy cool, bold, "I am a man of the new millennium" king of move until I clicked on his profile to see that "Dad Job Description." It turned out he was recently laid off, and, while he is enjoying the time at home with his kid, he is actively looking for a new position.

Friends and ex-colleagues start conversations and e-mails with thinly veiled social "niceties" slowly leading up to, "Do you know of any jobs for which I could apply?"

Reaching out to friends, family, and ex-colleagues - networking - so people can keep their ears open for relevant job opportunities can ease "frictional unemployment." This concept basically means there are people who are unemployed, and employers looking to fill jobs which these unemployed people would be qualified, but both groups are having trouble finding each other.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Orange County (www.jewishorangeny.org) has created what they are calling a Job Smarts program to try to ease local "frictional unemployment," Acting as a conduit to make the connection among employers and employees: Employers post open positions and people looking for jobs can search the posted jobs and submit their resumes. Like a free professional match-making service, they make the introduction; what comes from there is up to the job seeker and potential employer.

Several other local programs are helping job seekers put their best foot forward. Jewish Family Services (341-1173) is running its second series of "taking Ownership of Your Job Search" workshops starting Jan. 4. Participants will receive career coaching, learn to network, identify marketable skills, and figure out where they can best "fit" in this job market.

Jewish Family Services' Diane Finkelstein Families in Crisis Fund assists families obtain funds for rent, security deposits and car repairs needed for transportation to work. And the YMCA (www.middletownymca.org) provides before- or after-school care and membership for families and individuals in need.

I am sure Bernakne is right and the economy is turning around. But until we feel the upswing, it's nice to know there are some organizations lending a helping hand.

Allison Berman, an artist and mother of two, handpaints custom home accessories for interior designers and private customers. She works out of her home studio in Warwick, NY. See her collection at www.withlovealib.com. She can be reached at ali@withlovealib.com. Her column appears Tuesdays.