What a difference!

Just got back from the "newly revised" Iowa Workforce Center. What great changes they have made! They've been operating for four days with the new system and the unemployed actually get treated as "HUMAN BEINGS." I was very pleased. I complimented every worker that I had contact with. Was told though that they are still working out kinks which I'm sure they will be doing for quite a while. I have to really commend the agency though for putting on this "NEW FACE."

I did come away though without some specific questions about the dislocated worker program and the extended unemployment benefits while in school being answered. The new system requires you now to attend an assessment meeting which is held at 2:30 every day. That is a good thing though--I Just have to wait a bit more time to get my questions answered and to get back into "their system."

I believe though that even with all of their efforts, it is still going to be extremely difficult for the unemployed to find jobs. That is why I think the grassroots efforts of AMOS are important. They are going to be talking one-to-one with employers. Perhaps Iowa Workforce does this also though.

Meanwhile though, I did turn my experience into a networking opportunity and was able to give out two business cards for my home interior, home staging business!

Iowa Workforce

I also heard last night at the AMOS meeting from the Iowa Workforce representative that the job fairs held in Des Moines have now been changed to once a month rather than every week due to a lack of employers interested in participating.

Yes, I'm tardy

Yes, I realized I have been very negligent in posting to this site. But I have been busy . . .

. . . Busy attending the free classes for the unemployed at Grandview University. Yea!

. . . Busy trying to get my new business off the ground--thinking about writing a business plan, networking, designing a brochure, getting a web domain, and so on and so on

. . . Busy applying for the few jobs I have found in my field

. . . Busy talking to DMACC about classes I can take this fall

. . . Busy again at Iowa Workforce to see about their new unemployment/dislocated worker programs

. . . Busy trying to increase my customers for my current part-time business

. . . Busy attending meetings, networking groups, having coffee with friends and new friends

. . . Studying

. . . and the list goes on . . .

I am especially enjoying meeting new people and seeing new places. Today I ended up on the Des Moines campus of DMACC. I had no idea they had a real campus there. Pretty cool. Lots of very friendly people there also. As is the same with Grandview. Am really enjoying that experience.

Tonight I attended a meeting held at First Christian Church. The meeting was sponsored by AMOS (A Mid-Iowa Organizing Strategy). They have been meeting for several months at the grass roots level to try and find solutions for the unemployed. I attended a meeting in June also. See my blog dated June 9. I highly urge everyone, employed or not employed to attend next month's meeting. It will be on Aug. 11. Not sure of the meeting place yet though. They are working through the church community and meet in churches generally. I came away totally energized! An Iowa Workforce representative was there as were people from AARP, AMOS, Iowa Employment Solutions, Iowans for Social & Economic Development plus many pastors from local churches.

Updates

Check out the blog, "Unemployed in Des Moines," written by Suzanne. It's at: http://unemployedindesmoines.blogspot.com/
I checked it tonight and saw the blog about the Townhall Meeting which was held tonight. Raced off to it and was greeted warmly by the participants. I really enjoyed meeting some new people and telling my unemployment story. Watch Suzanne's site for more details about the next meeting. It will be held on June 23. The group is attempting to collect unemployed Iowan's stories and will be having a large meeting on November 1 at the Polk County Convention Center hopefully with the governor.

Also, I had an interview last week (following the phone interview I had previously). Got a phone call today though saying I wasn't chosen for the job. On to bigger and better things!! Meanwhile I'm taking advantage of Grandview University's offer of free classes this summer. Had my first test today! Yikes!