Times Change: a United Way member agency
making a difference every single day
By courtesy of United Way Toronto
When Bernadette Di Giulio was laid off in June 2009 she didn't think it would take long to find another job. With over 20 years of experience in administrative accounting work, she believed a new opportunity would come along soon enough. But 500 resumes later, Bernadette was still not working.
Bernadette De Giulio at her home in Toronto.
Photography: Shawn McPherson.
"It's going to be very difficult for me. The end of my Employment Insurance is going to severely impact my family's quality of life. If things don't change soon, I can see myself becoming depressed."
She lost her job at a major car manufacturer as a result of last year's unprecedented economic downturn. Unfortunately, her situation was not unique. Massive layoffs and downsizing left thousands of Torontonians out of work.
In October, with no job and worried about her Employment Insurance benefits eventually running out, Bernadette turned to Times Change - a United Way agency that helps women find employment.
Julie Warrington, Bernadette's educational counselor at Times Change, said the agency has experienced a significant increase in clients, particularly mature ones who had been in stable, long-term jobs before the recession hit. "A lot has changed," said Julie. "We're seeing more clients who thought they'd be retiring in their job - and are now very much struggling as they try to find work."
Bernadette's situation represents the second wave of this "jobless recovery." The first wave was job loss, followed by the exhaustion of Employment Insurance benefits. And it doesn't end there. During tough economic times depression, domestic abuse and social isolation also rise.
"I've been referring more and more clients to other support services," said Julie. "When you're unemployed there is a tendency to hide out at home and close down which only perpetuates the cycle of unemployment, depression and isolation."
But Bernadette didn't hide out. She did everything possible to find work. With support from Times Change, she tailored every resume and cover letter, attended employment workshops and continued to meet regularly with her career and educational counselors to look at new ways to upgrade her accounting and bookkeeping skills.
With her drive and determination - and the help of Times Change - Bernadette found a new job this spring. "I can't say enough about the help I've received from Times Change. And in today's job market, I really needed their guidance."
For media inquiries please contact:
Katie Didyk, Marketing/Outreach Coordinator
Tel: (416) 927-1900 x222 (direct)
Fax: (416) 927-7212
Times Change Women's Employment Service
365 Bloor St. East, Suite 1003, Toronto, ON M4W 3L4
Telephone:(416) 927-1900, ext. 0
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