I learned about a local employment support ministry called HOPE ministries early on and went to one of their meetings. One of my alumni friends told me about it and met me there. It was at a church and over 30 unemployed people attended, networked, got resume help, and listened to the speaker talk on personal branding including an elevator presentation of a 3 minute sale of yourself and what you can do for an employer. This same friend said she was involved in several networking groups that met monthly, and seemed to find them helpful. I didn't go to any of them, but these groups are out there through counties, cities or churches.

HOPE ministries group that I belong to has a group on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/groups?about=&gid=1157417 .

This ministry, faithful/positive colleagues (my college is faith-based, private one, so many of the alums are also Christian with good values and concerned about others and the community), and personal friends and family have helped me to keep going and stay positive and faithful through the challenges. It is easy to feel sorry for yourself, despair, become negative, and fill with fear as the money disappears and threatens your known life and security. Being faithful, praying, and drawing on the faith of others throughout (daily) can help keep you going. On the practical side, filing for Unemployment immediately is a no-brainer action to take upon getting laid off.

Submitted by Edward Novick