UAW will sponsor second Lifeline to Valley Workers

More than 100 agencies will offer assistance to local workers.

STAFF REPORT

YOUNGSTOWN — The United Auto Workers is sponsoring a second event to help area workers who need assistance.

Lifeline to Valley Workers will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Chevrolet Centre.

It is free and open to the public. It is designed for members of organized labor as well as those not affiliated with unions.

UAW Local 1112 in Lordstown and the One-Stop agencies in Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties had a similar event in Warren in February. About 2,000 Mahoning Valley residents attended, so a second event was scheduled.

The UAW has recruited more than 100 agencies to help residents. The event is designed to pass along information to people who have been hurt by the recession but are not accustomed to seeking help from public and private agencies.

It is recommended as a one-stop forum for people who are unemployed, underemployed, laid off or simply in need of assistance.

Meeting one-on-one with residents will be representatives from numerous state and local government agencies, housing counseling agencies and community-based outreach agencies.

Throughout the day, government officials and outreach representatives will speak to the audience about efforts being made on the federal and state level to help area workers.

Many agencies will have workshops based on topics such as foreclosure prevention, household finance workshops, career counseling and job placement, social-benefits assistance, personal finance planning, legal aid and health-care assistance.

More information is available by calling Linda Burke at (330) 501-3710 or sending an e-mail to lifelinetovalleyworkers@live.com.