Articles - Archived Feature

(Copy and paste the text into your document)

Tools for Surviving a Job Loss

Today's economy is filled with uncertainty, and you may be feeling the effects. If not, you likely know someone who is. That's because one out of every nine North Carolinians in the work force is currently unemployed. There are, however, many resources to help of which you may not be aware. Whether you are seeking a new job, or want training or education for a new career, check out these opportunities:

Search for a job

As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), a number of well-paying "Recovery Act Jobs" have been created in North Carolina. Search by county at www.ncrecovery.gov, or visit the N.C. Employment Security Commission at www.ncesc.com, which lists these jobs in addition to other public and private sector opportunities.

Train for a new job

The JobsNOW initiative also uses funds from the ARRA to get people back to work by training them in another profession. With the "12 in 6" Worker Training Initiative, the N.C. Community College System and the N.C. Department of Commerce have partnered to offer training in 12 occupational areas that can be completed in less than six months. The approved occupational areas include professions like nursing, carpentry, welding, auto body repair and plumbing. Visit www.jobsnow.nc.gov for more information.

Further your education

If you are interested in higher education opportunities through distance education, like completing your college degree or getting a professional certificate, visit the University of North Carolina Online at www.online.northcarolina.edu. Here, check out descriptions of more than 190 online programs in 22 fields of study offered at 16 North Carolina universities, along with contact, application, admissions and tuition information.

If you are a North Carolina local government employee, you have other tools available to assist you during these tough times. As a member of Local Government Federal Credit Union (LGFCU), which all North Carolina local government employees are eligible to join, we have our own Economic Recovery Plan for members featuring:

Unemployment protection for share term certificates

If you have a share term certificate (STC), but need that money because you've lost your job, you can take your money out early without a penalty.

Help for subprime victims

If you're in an uncomfortable mortgage situation, we can help. We've already helped more than 100 members stay in their homes, and we want to do the same for you.

Mortgage Assistance Program (MAP)

Work one-on-one with a senior branch officer to put together a realistic action plan to help you maintain your mortgage. More than 320 LGFCU members have been helped with this program so far.

Free financial wellness service

Call one of our certified financial counselors for a free financial checkup, help setting up a workable budget, creating a spending plan, eliminating debit and more.

For more information on any these programs and services, give LGFCU a call at 877.367.5428.