With a Master's Degree and an additional degree in Computer Programming, plus many years of excellent job experience, this isn’t where I expected to be at this point in my life. After being laid off over a year ago, I’m still struggling to secure a decent, full-time job, and it isn’t from lack of trying. While friends and family are retiring, I have applied for over 80 jobs and interviewed for jobs at Ottertail Power, Vector Windows, MState, Clarity Ventures, and Purdue University, often being told I was a “great fit for the company” but end up as their 2nd choice. In a very poor economy, with a soft job market due to hiring freezes, the younger candidates will be chosen.

I need to catch a break. I’m exhausted. Until then, I could really use your help. I was laid off in 2016 from my job of 10 years. I ended up homeless and will not survive that again.

I also had surgeries on both hands and have medical bills, but that is not my immediate concern.

Close family and friends have helped me with monthly bills as much as they are able, but right now I really need help to stay in my house. I am working part-time at a big box DIY store, but am only netting one-third of what I need to live.

I have contacted every organization that might be able to help me, but I get the same responses: “We’ve been defunded.” or “People haven’t been making donations.”

I was also hospitalized for a week, early in July, for depression and was on LOA, which kept me from earning any income over the last month. I am back to work now. This struggle would cause anyone to break.

Any funds will be put towards my mortgage, insurance, and property, which has been deferred up to this point.

I am sure that something will come up in my job search, but it hasn’t come fast enough. Asking for help goes against my nature. I want to be the one to help others. To do this is both humiliating and humbling, but I’ve run out of options.

I know that so many people are struggling right now, but if you can help with anything, I promise you that when I’m back on my feet, I’ll pay it forward.

Thank you,

Beth