Where to Now?

This past Friday, we had a most informative support group meeting. We had three guests. One was from the state government to explain, as best he could, the changing rules of FEMA regarding the continued support of displaced citizens. He was also there to provide initial support when most were originally given housing, food allowances, and public transportation passes. He was very, very understanding and compassionate to everyone there. He also made it clear that the state of Utah was not going to allow anyone to be thrown out on the streets.

However, he did make some very important points for anyone who is displaced anywhere in the U.S.

1) Unless you assume an attitude of self-determination and self-empowerment, your situation will only worsen.

2) The state and federal governments will progressively begin withdrawing and/or making it more difficult to receive continuing financial support.

3) Complaining about FEMA has run its course, although there are some guidelines he suggested if you have received nothing so far: have patience; telephone regularly; begin assuming responsibility for your present rental agreement, whether goverment supported or your own resources; and, begin adapting to your present environment.

4) Most of all, you must acquire employment. Ultimately, there will be no help coming. Don't wait for a crisis to take action in your own behalf.

The second set of speakers was from the Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) Skills Center. They provided incredibly helpful information and steps for acquiring employment.

1) SLCC Skills Center requires no degrees and credentials for enrollment into their program.

2) They offer a variety of skills training for immediately acquiring a job. All the way from computer repair to construction to healthcare to office clerk to accounting. All "hands-on " stuff.

3) There are a variety of support resources (enrollment tuition) that makes it possible for anyone who is seriously looking for work to acquire or improve their skills.

4) High demand jobs offer immediate employment, such as construction, bricklayers, healthcare specialists, welding, air conditioning and heating technologist, and construction environmental technologists.

They made it absolutey clear that anyone who desired to be in their program, could do so. I came away being convinced that anyone interested in employment had a clear route to learn the skills necessary to acquire a job.

In summary, promises have not been kept by the federal bureaucy and expenses have been absorbed by many state agencies (particularly, here in Utah) who will not be fully reimbursed. If we continue to depend on federal efficiency in meeting our needs, we will be sadly disappointed. What then is the only viable alternative?

Self-determination, self-empowerment, self-responsibility, and self-motivation, individually and collectively! Actually, this attitude goes way beyond the displaced citizens and applies to any one or group who feels disempowered and victimized. Like a friend once told me: "If you're in a deep hole and expect help, someone will drop you a short rope!"