Transition workshop set for jobless workers

The McCook Workforce Development office of the Nebraska Department of Labor, in conjunction with McCook Community College, is hosting a transition workshop for those in the labor market who have experienced a layoff or job loss due to recent economic conditions. Scheduled for April 14, 2009 from 1 to 5 p.m. CST, the round-table workshop will be held in the Weeth Theater in the Tipton Building at McCook Community College.

A number of community service organizations will be participating in the workshop. The preliminary list of presenters and topics includes:

Basics of Unemployment Insurance and Employment Services, WIA Training Funds Program -- Don Hopkins, Nebraska Workforce Development

GED/ABE, Career Services, Education Opportunities and Financial Aid -- Brandon Lenhart, Ted Fellers, Rick Michaelson, Suzy Curl and additional staff from McCook Community College

Utilities, Food Stamps and Housing Assistance -- Children and Family Services, Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services

Housing / Mortgage Management Options - Mary Seybold, Housing Specialist, McCook Economic Development Corporation

Small Business Startup - Rex Nelson, Executive Director and Sue Shaner, Small Business Specialist, McCook Economic Development Corporation

Community Support Services and Resources -- Barb Ostrum, Community Action Partnership of Mid-Nebraska

Credit Counseling -- Rojean Einspahr, Consumer Credit Counseling Service

Mental Health Services -- Murriel Weldin Thomas, All Seasons Counseling

DASAS (Domestic Abuse/Sexual Assault Services) - Debbie Stevens, Community Educator

Current economic conditions and associated job losses can place a tremendous stress on a family, and impact every aspect of a person's life. Community organizations are available to help, and the goal of this workshop is to provide access to those services.

For more information, contact the McCook Workforce Development office at (308) 345-8470 or Brandon Lenhart at McCook Community College at (308) 345-8128.