Helping the needy in a bad economy

Nearly ten years ago, I pursued a career in social services.

Social service agencies provide care to abused children and issue food stamps and medical cards to the needy.

People often have the wrong idea about social services. They think of its recipients as lazy people who won’t work. Although some people abuse the system, others legitimately need help.

Many recipients have either lost their job or suffered from health problem. No one should criticize the welfare system because you never know when you may need help.

People who work for social service agencies do so without much publicity or recognition. On a daily basis, my colleagues rescue children who live in homes without food or electricity.

Working in the social services is definitely a thankless job.

Unfortunately, my colleagues and I haven’t been exempt from the repercussions of a bad economy. With budget cuts, our senior management staff was faced with a difficult task...cut the budget and reduce positions through layoffs.

The end of a career can happen with a simple phone call from human resources and a management signature.

Lately, I have watched many of my colleagues leave with tears strolling down their faces as they carry their personal belongings out the door in cardboard boxes. Many started immediately after college.

Anyone familiar with social services understands that no one chooses a social services career for the salary. Those who choose a career in social services do so because they want to assist needy people. 

Lost jobs and benefits always ride on the back of a downward economy and social services are no exception.

In the meantime, our only recourse is to keep working and hope we can avoid a phone call from human resources.