myBenefits is the fast and easy way to find out about many health and human services programs and how to apply for them, anytime and anywhere. The site is aimed at helping low income working families and individuals make ends meet. Programs include: food stamps, home energy assistance, earned income tax credits, child and dependent care credits, Medicaid, Family Health Plus, Child Health Plus and school lunch programs, among others.
In 2007, a motorcycle accident left Dave paralyzed from the waist down. With help from family, friends and VESID, Dave has rebuilt his life, returning to school to learn accounting and bookkeeping. Now, Dave works with his local One Stop Career Center, determined to go back to work part-time.
Dave says: ‘Once you go back as an adult, you look at school a lot differently than you do back when you’re a teenager. I ended up graduating that class with a 95 average… I was proud of myself.’ | • Watch Video
On the series premiere of ‘Help Wanted,’ meet Rebecca, a young woman who formerly worked as a marketing manager. When Rebecca lost her job, it was very difficult on her and her family, but she is now carving out a new path in nursing school that may offer greater stability in the future. Plus, we look at how the unemployed in Central New York are trying to weather the economic storm, and shed light on a text messaging scam targeting recipients of unemployment insurance.
Many New Yorkers are returning to school to retrain for recession-proof jobs. We’ll discuss what qualifies individuals for jobs in growth industries with Emily Reilly of Global Foundries, representatives from Schenectady County Community College who are training students for tomorrow’s jobs, and Susan Birkhead of Samaritan Hospital Nursing School, who explores the current demand for nurses.
Meet a woman pursuing a third degree in hopes of landing a new job and a former chemist returning to work after raising her family. Our expert interview offers insight into an organization that helps women transition back into the workplace. Also, learn about how your local One Stop Career Center can help you. Plus, we’ll also go over resume format, and let you know how to avoid diploma scams.
Do you need help in reading, writing and math? Do you want to try a home study program? Get your high school equivalency diploma (GED) with help from the Adult Literacy/GED preparation program at Washington-Saratoga-Warren-Herkimer-Essex BOCES now. Or, call (518) 581-3310 for information on exam dates and more.
Do you need a GED diploma, or do you need to learn how to speak English? Classes are free for all adults ages 21 and over. Washington Irving offers day and evening classes as well as study-at-home options. Call (518) 370-8230 for more information.
If you are having trouble feeding your children, you are not alone and help is available. Use this resource to explore your options, which include school breakfast and lunch programs, the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program, the Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program (HPNAP), the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), Eat Smart New York (ESNY), food banks and food stamps.
Rebecca formerly worked as a marketing manager, selling home loan packages to large banks. When she lost her job, it was very difficult on her and her family, but now she is carving out a new path that may offer greater stability in the future. Rebecca, who lives in New York’s Capital Region with her husband and children, has decided to leave the cubicle for nursing school. At the same time, she continues to work, finding spare moments to study for her nursing courses during work breaks. It is a grueling schedule, but one that Rebecca believes will ultimately pay off.
Rebecca says: ‘You have to roll with the punches. You have to roll with the times, and you have to see what jobs are in demand.’ | • Watch Video
Rosaura is from Peru, and she works at a restaurant where, she says, many of her coworkers can barely understand her. Rosaura was an industrial engineer in Peru and came to the United States in 2001. Her English is now improving and she has taken a class to update her resume. She’d also like to go to school for more education.
Rosaura says: ‘I want to learn.’ | • Watch Video
Learn about the 599 training program, which allows unemployment recipients to receive assistance while attending a training course or program that has been approved by the New York State Department of Labor.
