After Getting Laid Off Due to COVID-19, Urban Upbound was There to Support
Since coming to Urban Upbound’s East Harlem office in 2018 to find employment, Todd Johnson has been an active member of our Jobs-Plus Program. After participating in job readiness workshops to improve his resume writing and interview skills, an Urban Upbound Career Counselor connected Todd with job opportunities and helped him secure employment in the construction industry. Our counselor then began checking in with Todd periodically to help him continue advancing in his chosen career path.
Unfortunately, Todd was laid off this spring due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Losing his source of income meant not being able to afford the monthly household bills, and not having phone service meant he could not participate in job interviews.
Todd had sought out his counselor at Urban Upbound immediately after the layoff, and he was referred to a new potential employer, but with no phone service, he missed their call. Our counselor was able to reschedule the interview and provided the means for the call via online phone service. The interview resulted in his getting hired for a job that pays a living wage and provides overtime work. He is now taking the next step in improving his life and working with one of our Financial Counselors to learn how to manage his finances.
In his own words: “I have a more positive outlook on my future now, thanks to the team at Urban Upbound!”
As part of our COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Efforts, Urban Upbound counselors have been providing virtual services to our clients in critical areas of need such as employment and financial counseling. If you’d like to help more people like Todd in the community, you can visit our website and donate. And follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to get updates on our Relief and Recovery Efforts.
