Tulsa agency offers helping hand

In the wake of terrorist attacks and the resulting slumping economy, many people are facing unemployment and an uncertain future. So local agencies are joining forces to offer a helping hand. <br><br>News

Thursday, October 11th 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6


In the wake of terrorist attacks and the resulting slumping economy, many people are facing unemployment and an uncertain future. So local agencies are joining forces to offer a helping hand.

News on Six consumer reporter Diane White explains how one group is helping people get back to work. Alvin Byam, "September 11th came around - it was more than just those towers that got torpedoed." There were aftershocks that hit Tulsa companies including Alvin Byam's former employer - Dollar Thrifty. "The rental car business is taking a major hit." That hit cost him his job last week. He'd been there before - after WorldCom cut his position last March. Both times he turned to Consumer Credit Counseling. The United Way Agency has a job support center. "They were able to help me put together a resume and help me with interviewing skills. We had a weekly Monday session which I think was a great help."

He credits sessions with his job counselor - who helped him network and fine tune his skills. Niki Kaseeska, Job Counselor: "We teach them how to conduct their job search successfully we don't do the job search for them - we teach them how to do it on their own so they can be self sufficient." The agency's been in demand since the September 11 attacks - helping hundreds who lost their job. Mary Thomas, Consumer Credit Counseling: "The first thing we ask people to do is to make a financial action plan and to prepare a household budget. If you don't have a budget, if you never had one in place - now is especially the time."

The center helps people plan - and prepare for the work force. It worked for Alvin Baum. He already has another job lined up and offers simple words of encouragement. "Be patient - be realistic. It's going to take awhile." That's advice that could come in handy soon. Consumer Credit Counseling expects there to be more layoffs in the Tulsa area. C

onsumer Credit Counseling charges a one-time, $40 fee. That money covers the cost of computer use, resume services and counseling.
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