Any of you from the Waltham/Boston, Ma. area......

[Ponygirl]

Does anyone know, whether, there are any other places, besides,
Mass. Rehab., that, helps disabled people find jobs?
I'm DESPARATELY looking for work & I've tried Mass. Rehab., a FEW times,
but, they were never able to help me. Anyone know of some other place,
I could try??

Thanks!:)

Phyllis

[Ponygirl]

But, still hoping, someone will see this.

Phyllis

[Ponygirl]

Oh, well! Guess, I'm the only one, out of work!
Geez, it really helps the Depression, I'll tell ya! NOT!!!:(

Phyllis

[Nana4&cntn]

Hi Ponygirl,

I am out of work permently. Depression sucks, I have just found this site out of frustration, boredom, and need of pain info.

hope tou dat gets better.

kathy

[Ponygirl]

You're not kidding, Depression S*CKS!!:(

Thanks, again, for the response!:)

Phyllis

[Nana4&cntn]

Phyllis,

A Federal program, Vocational Rehabitation can provide training for new job skills,or help you find a job with your skills. If you are receiving SSDI,SSA or even medicaid they can help. There nmay be some problems with bebifits if you do get a job. If you would like further info let me know. When I talked to them about myself getting a job, they said no problem, but, told me I had more to lose than to receive.

kathy

[Ponygirl]

If, you mean, Mass. Rehab., been there, done that!;)
They STINK!:p Thanks, though!:);)

Phyllis

[Nana4&cntn]

Phyllis,

I am so sorry. I didn't realize Mass rehab was the same. You might try Goodwill and Salvation Army. Other than that I am out of Ideas. Let me know what type of work you are looking for or what you want to do. I will put my thinking cap on. I am not giving up on you.

Take care,
Kathy

[Ponygirl]

You didn't know, and, you tried!:) I STILL want to know, whether,
I know you!;) Something tells me, I do. Maybe, under different
names?!?!?!:eek:;) Oh, well! New friend, old friend! Point is, you're a
GOOD friend!:)

Phyllis
P.S. Oops! I'm looking for entry-level Clerical/ Business Support, type, work.;)

[Bobbi]

I don't think you're the only one out of work, Phyllis; it could be that not enough people from MA have seen/read your message or that people don't know enough about you to give "blanket" suggestions. What I mean is, we don't know enough about your educational background, work history, etc.

You've noted that Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) wasn't or hasn't been very helpful for you.

Is possibly trying an employment agency (which matches employees with employers and where the employer pays the agency's fee) a possibility for you?

In addition to what Kathy suggested, I'd add Easter Seals and other organizations known for their work and services that help people.

You started the thread on January 21. Today is only January 25. I know that that might feel like an eternity and seem as if people have had forever to reply, but... people probably could use some more time to see your post(s), too.

:)

[Bobbi]

Here is another site; I haven't used the site for a job, but I'm thinking that it might be a potential resource for looking:

http://www.diversityworking.com/communityChannels/personWithDisability/

Since you've mentioned the possibility of entry-level clerical/business support (such as administrative/secretarial?), if I was looking for a comparable position, I think I would also try schools/district offices and city and county agencies (gov't, power and electric companies) and retail or retail or department stores.

[Bobbi]

Here is another site; I haven't used the site for a job, but I'm thinking that it might be a potential resource for looking:

http://www.diversityworking.com/communityChannels/personWithDisability/

Since you've mentioned the possibility of entry-level clerical/business support (such as administrative/secretarial?), if I was looking for a comparable position, I think I would also try schools/district offices and city and county agencies (gov't, power and electric companies) and retail or department stores.

[Ponygirl]

Regarding, an employment agency, I did try that. They never called me
with anything. Easter Seals is another possibility!:) I may have to re-open my case at MRC and try them,
AGAIN!:(

Phyllis

[Daisy]

Have you tried the temp agencies just to get some references and experience? Generally if they have short term assignments it can help just to get some good referals back from the companies you've been to which can lead to longer/better assignments.

One issue can be transportation. I know if you are on the T line they don't make as big a deal about the issue if you aren't driving but if you aren't it gets to be very awkward dealing with the driving issue.

I do understand the frustration but in the midst of everything else you are not just working against the misconceptions of the world, you're also looking in a job market that is getting tighter in MA as more people are seeking fewer job opportunities and some people are taking jobs they are more than qualified for just to have work.

So you are going to need to sit down and strategize.

One thing you are also eligible for in this state whether you are or were employed is to use the job hunting facilities at the state unemployment office. You don't have to be unemployed to have access to their seminars, resume writing workshops, job hunting help, etc. It is open to all state residents. They may even know of programs for people with disabilities to get help finding a job.

[Ponygirl]

;) Okay, Daisy, I'm SLOWLY piecing this, together!LOL I'm guessing,
you're from Mass.?? Yes, I have tried Temp. agencies. They never called
me with anything.:( Thanks for the suggestion, though!:)
They all help!:)

Phyllis

[Daisy]

They don't tend to call you, you tend to have to bug them, especially in this market. Again I have no idea what your skills/experience are or what your transportation is like but my experience is if you aren't calling daily/weekly and you're waiting for them to call, you aren't going to hear from them.

Have you tried the Unemployment office resources? They are far more extensive then most people realize. As I said before they may even have information on what other agencies are available to get you working.

Yes, I am from MA.

[Ponygirl]

I use "The Ride"...;) That's another reason, Temp. agencies don't
work for me. I need to be on a regular schedule, for, "The Ride"
to work.

Thanks for staying on top of this for me, though!:)

Phyllis

[Daisy]

Transportation may be one of the factors in finding employment. I don't know if their reliablity has improved much but I know they used to make it challenging for some of the people I worked with that relied on them to get places on time, The Ride didn't used to have the best reputation.

I know of several people that moved to have better T access to get off The Ride. I don't know if that is or will be an option for you.

[Ponygirl]

You've used them long, enough, and, you know how to work
around that! Are you kidding, I NEVER tell them the REAL time, I need
to be somewhere!:eek: They'd PICK ME UP, at, that time!:rolleyes::p...LOL
Once, I learned my little trick, I've never had another problem!:D
What you do, is, you have to tell them, you need to be there 45 minutes,
earlier, than, you really do.:o Yes, I realize, it may be wrong, BUT, we have
to do, what, THEY FORCE us to do, don't we???:rolleyes:
NOT OUR fault!;)

Phyllis

[Nana4&cntn]

Phyllis,

This may be way off base, But I know you are interested in Mental Health setting positions. Have you asked your doctor is he/she could be of any help. Also, Like Bobbi said there are employment agencies who do match folks with position, but you actually work for the agency. One of my daughter-in-laws does this in a psych ward at a local hospital. I would ask any and all of your doc's first and keep your eyes on hospital posts.

Now would be a good time to take time to get up to speed on medical terminology. I dont' know your education/experience. So forgive me if the last statement was a slap.

Still thinking of ideas for you,
Kathy

[Ponygirl]

Yeah, a Clerical position on a Psych unit/hospital is, exactly, what I'm
looking for. I really don't have the opportunity to ask my doctor for help,
'cause, I really don't see her much. I only see her, if, something comes
up and I need to see her. Which, fortunately, has been never, so, far.;)

Phyllis

[Nana4&cntn]

Phyllis,

I was talking with a friend whoworks at the Med Center here. She said they use alot of folks from USA Corps. Apparently they give you on the job training, The Hospitals, Clinics,etc, also have a big incentive because they get major tax breaks.

I don't exactly know where to look for a phone number, probably in the government (Fed)
section.

Chck it out and let me know how it goes.

[Daisy]

Again this may be repetive but what have you tried so far to get into the positions offered at the hospitals? It's hard to make suggestions without knowing what you've already done. Have you tried the hospital job sites and then tried to make contacts at the hospitals so even if they don't have openings now they'll consider you for later?

Also, I know you use the Ride, can you use the T? It would give you more flexiblity in terms of getting to and from jobs on specific schedules?

[Ponygirl]

I appreciate the help, but, I'm not sure, where, "here", is.:confused:
Could you be a bit, more specific, please?? LOL...;)

Phyllis

[Ponygirl]

:o





Because, I need to get my resume re-done, also.
Ya know, up-dated & stuff. I wouldn't hand it to ANY possible employer,
right, now!:eek::p

Phyllis

[Daisy]

In that case I would go to the State's Unemployment Office. It's free to any resident of MA and you don't have to be working or have been working to get their assitance on things like resume writing, etc. They may even be able to hook you up with some of the HR people in the local hospitals who do the recruiting, host job fairs for the hospitals, etc.

[Ponygirl]

I really can't remember all of the places, I've volunteered, or, any of the
dates & stuff like that. Do they help you with that??

Thanks!

Phyllis

[Nana4&cntn]

Sorry Phyllis,

Here was Univ Neb med ctr, And I made another oops, It is AmeriCorps. I think my brain was on vacation. Good Luck and let me know if it helps

Kathy

[Ponygirl]

when, I can't remember dates from my past work/volunteer history??
I mean, NO place, can tell me THAT. That's something, I'd need to know,
isn't it??:(

What REALLY gets me is, I'd be happy with VOLUNTEERING, right, now!
I've called hospitals, but, I'm told, I have to wait six to nine months, 'cause,
they're not taking on any new volunteers, right, now.
I don't understand, having too MANY VOLUNTEERS!
People, willing to help you, without, being paid!
How can people/places refuse volunteers?!?!?!
I just want OUT of this house! Money, or not, at, this point!

Phyllis

[Nana4&cntn]

Phyllis,

I wish there was something I could do for you. I just wanted to pop in and say hi, I have been thinking of you.

Kathy

[Daisy]

when, I can't remember dates from my past work/volunteer history??
I mean, NO place, can tell me THAT. That's something, I'd need to know,
isn't it??:(

What REALLY gets me is, I'd be happy with VOLUNTEERING, right, now!
I've called hospitals, but, I'm told, I have to wait six to nine months, 'cause,
they're not taking on any new volunteers, right, now.
I don't understand, having too MANY VOLUNTEERS!
People, willing to help you, without, being paid!
How can people/places refuse volunteers?!?!?!
I just want OUT of this house! Money, or not, at, this point!

Phyllis

There are lots of different types of resumes. They can try to create one that deals with what you do know to the best of their ability. I'd say go in and try it. It's free and you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. They may even be able to line up resources that you are unaware of to help.

[Ponygirl]

I guess, I'll need to try the un-employment office, then.
I'm really sorry, I haven't been around to reply to everyone's really
sweet & helpful posts/suggestions. I truly do appreciate them!
I just don't have the internet at home, right, now. Which, isn't helping
my situation, any. So, I need to get up to the library, whenever, I need
the internet.:(

Phyllis

[Qualia]

One of the main problems is you're going to be competing with people who are well and healthy and aren't going to have transportation or heath issues. What about working from home, or is it more that you need to get out of the house? That is something I can definitely relate to.

One thing that I noticed though, (and I don't want to sound rude, I'm trying to be helpful here) is that if you are looking for a clerical position, you might want to look into taking a grammar course. Sorry if that is too foreward but your overuse of commas makes your writing a bit difficult to read, and that would put you at a loss when competing for a position that relies heavily on writing skills. Try the book "Rhetoric Made Plain", it's a very good standard in University English courses, and the library you are at should have it on their shelves. :)

I'm not trying to be mean or anything, I have dyslexia so I have to really pay attention and even so I know my posts are full of things my brain simply doesn't catch. Anyway I hope that is helpful to you and I didn't come across as too mean. :o

[Ponygirl]

The entire issue is, I NEED to get OUT of the house!
Otherwise, I'd be working from home, already.

Phyllis

[Qualia]

If I understood correctly, you said that money wasn't too much of an issue, what about a creative writing class, since writing is your interest? Are there any community colleges with night classes you can get into? Maybe you can get some sort of funding from a handicapped employment place to offset the cost, sometimes they have scholarship resourses. :)

[Ponygirl]

I think, you may have the wrong person, or, you may have misunderstood
me. I don't have an interest in writing. My main interest is the Mental
Health field...LOL

Phyllis

[Qualia]

I think, you may have the wrong person, or, you may have misunderstood
me. I don't have an interest in writing. My main interest is the Mental
Health field...LOL

Phyllis

You didn't know, and, you tried!:) I STILL want to know, whether,
I know you!;) Something tells me, I do. Maybe, under different
names?!?!?!:eek:;) Oh, well! New friend, old friend! Point is, you're a
GOOD friend!:)

Phyllis
P.S. Oops! I'm looking for entry-level Clerical/ Business Support, type, work.;)

:confused:

[Nana4&cntn]

Hey Phyllis,

Where ya been. Still having problems with the internet at home? Hope you are doing well. Give me a pm or email to let me know how you are.

Take Care,
Kathy

[Ponygirl]

You guessed it! Still having AGGRAVATING internet problems, here,
at home!:rolleyes: Thanks for thinking of me, you're a sweety!:)

Phyllis

[Ponygirl]

I know, I've been driving everyone NUTS, with, this!...LOL
Well, I think, I've found somewhere to volunteer, until, I can get something
better.
I just need to get a form filled out by a Dr., then, I should be good to go
and start!:) Or, get an interview, anyhow!;) It'll be at Children's Hospital,
Boston. It'll be doing Clerical work, like, filing & stuff. Anywho, I figured,
some might be interested, since, I know, I've been driving people insane,
saying, I need something to do!...LOL

Phyllis

[Cry Tears]

Oh, I'm going nuts staying at home as well...but my steriods I must take just to keep me from rotting in bed...I'm not able to think clearly, get so mized up, I'm stupid ALL the time...and crying on top of all that..but have good reason...I miss my grand daughter soooo much. Haven't seen her in a month now. I used to see her every day...but my son uses her as his pawn.
I asked him to pay back the money he owes us for his last divorce...ooops!
Oh well! Never do that again!
Anyway...I know how you feel wanting to get out, be productive.
Hope you find something worthwhile.
Blessings, cher

[careersearchhub]

Hi,

Very interesting thread guys, make me think deep of the world around us, Wish you luck PonyGirl, have you tried any home based business, or self employment businesses??, if you have, i'll try and come up with something else for you....

[Ponygirl]

I WANT to work, so, I can get OUT of the house! NOT, because, I need
the money!:rolleyes:...LOL

Phyllis

[Ponygirl]

For those who are interested, I'm just waiting to see my Dr. on April 2nd,
so, she can fill out a couple of things for me. Then, I'll be able to send them
back to Children's Hospital, so, I can get an interview, and, start
volunteering, hopefully!:)

Phyllis