In the News

Pioneer News Lake Forester, November 16, 2010

The same day Highwood resident Mary Sweeney was laid off from her job as an assembler with a medical equipment company, she received an automated voicemail promoting Monday afternoon's community resource and job fair at the Highland Park Country Club.

"I got home after filling out unemployment paperwork and heard the message," Sweeney said. "I was about to delete it because I thought it was a politician who forgot to cancel their campaign messages."

Instead, Sweeney was among the unfortunately large crowd that attended the resource fair, "Options and Opportunities: Making Connections With Resource Providers."

State Sen. Susan Garrett, D-29th, of Lake Forest; Moraine, New Trier, Shields and West Deerfield townships; Lake County Partners; and Sunset Foods sponsored the free event.

"(Losing my job) was a disappointment, but I've been trying to focus on what's next," Sweeney said. "I think it's wonderful this is all set up in one place, so you don't feel so alone."

In addition to employment counseling, the fair also offered information about care giving, financial advising, health-care needs, emergency and general assistance options, affordable housing and education.

Hoping for some luck
Deerfield resident Patrice Barra attended the resource fair on her 56th birthday Monday hoping for a little luck a year and a half into her frustrating job search.

She was laid off from her banking position last year after 23 years in the industry. While searching, Barra has held down a part-time job at a dog day-care facility in Mundelein.

"I'm trying to get back into banking but nobody's calling back," said Barra before touring the booths set up around the Highland Park Country Club. "I think it has to do with my age. I hate to say it, but that's what I'm hearing."

To get by, Barra said she has had to cut back her discretionary spending, including trips and events, but admitted that it's been tough to stop spoiling her dogs.

"It's depressing," she explained. "At this stage in life, you're supposed to be set with a 401K, retirement. It's like I'm starting at square one and all of my years of experience don't mean anything."

Later this week, Barra plans to attend a curriculum review event at the College of Lake County for paralegal training. On Monday, she also picked up information about a networking event to be held at the West Deerfield Township office.

Thankful to vendors
"I'm very grateful all these vendors came out to help us get back into the work force," Barra said.

Terri Berryman, director of the Lake County Workforce Development Department, was there Monday to help Sweeney and Barra.

The county provided participants with information and pamphlets about its business and employment services initiatives.

Berryman said demand for their services is still high, but she ultimately expressed optimism regarding the economy.

"We are seeing faint signs of improvement," Berryman said. "Temp hiring is improving, which is always a good sign, but it's still pretty slow.

"There are just so many people out there (looking for jobs)," she added. "Demand has been heavy for more than two years now. Some of the long-term-unemployed people are trying but are getting frustrated and are giving up.

"It's tough to watch."

One piece of advice Berryman gave the line of North Shore residents who crossed her table was to stay sharp with computer skills, because the entire employment process has moved to the web.

"For some people, creating a resume, sending an e-mail or attaching documents is very difficult," she explained.

Free computer help
The county offers free, guided computer lab sessions on Wednesday afternoons in its county headquarters in Waukegan.

Stephanie Sandberg, vice president of human resources for Sunset Foods, provided attendees with information about job openings at the family owned grocery chain's new store opening in January in Long Grove.

Many positions are filled already, but Sandberg reported that several part-time positions are available, including a cheese specialist, meat wrappers, seafood department clerks and cashiers.

Libertyville resident Ernest Giarelli was looking for employment leads Monday, one-month into his job search.

"It's daunting, because the market is so full of applicants," said Giarelli, who was formerly in sales. "You're battling that and you're battling being overqualified for what's out there."

He said has no clue how long the job search will take.

"It took my wife 15 months and she has an MBA," Giarelli said. "So hopefully two weeks."