R.A.D.I.C.A.L. Thoughts for R.A.D.I.C.A.L. Women

Okay, all you R.A.D.I.C.A.L Women out there. I got this from a R.A.D.I.C.A.L. Woman in Tennessee and just wanted to pass it along. I will also be sending it hopefully this afternoon to anyone who signed up on the www.midlifedivorcerecovery.com site for midlife divorce recovery tips. (If I can figure out my new mail blaster program. (sigh) Anyway, here is the message: Hopefully it can help someone else. And thanks to Joyce for passing this along!

"The reason I am writing is to let you know about an opportunity we have in Memphis that might also be available in other areas. There is stimulus money for education that is available for displaced homemakers. There are grants for up to $8000 over a two year period for training.

When I was filling out the FAFSA for my sons education, I discovered that I was a displaced parent b/c I am no longer being supported by a spouse, have tried to find a job and have been unable to get one. Last week, I received an email from a networking group that mentioned the stimulus money. In our state, there is a huge amount of money that must be allocated before the end of June or it simply goes back to the federal government. I have now gone to a meeting about it, met with the Tennessee career center, and taken the TABE (Test of Adult Basic Education) which basically determines if one comprehends what they read and is able to do basic math. My next step is to attend a "Create Your Future" workshop which is a 6 hour interactive opportunity to help me plan for my success. I do have a degree that I got over 30 years ago but this area no longer appeals to me and I need to obtain different skills for the job market today. This opportunity will allow me to get training, certification and placement in a new field. As I learned from one of the meetings, this will allow me a new start.

As with any government program, there is PAPERWORK and it will require a lot of work on my part researching the area I want to go in to and convincing the board why I need this training. However, the money is FREE to use.

I know there are many women who have suddenly found themselves separated/divorced, with very little skills for todays job market. I thought you might want to mention this to those who you counsel. I don't know if there is money left in all states and if the criteria is the same. Here the money is available to those who have lost their job, or might be employeed but do not make more than $11.35 and hour based on a 30 hr week, and the previous mentioned scenario.

I just wanted to pass on this information in case it might give someone else hope of a brighter future. If you have any questions, call (901-382-7543 or 901-412-6619) or email me at joyce4maryk@bellsouth.net.

Joyce Bellamy