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I once used a government-sponsored agency to get back on my feet. There are actually plenty of programs out there, many that even specifically target single moms on welfare, to get them some education and training and get them back into the workforce to be a productive member of society.
My story: Back in '97 I sustained a workplace injury. I filed for worker's comp, and in the next few months while waiting for my claim to go through I began thinking I might not be physically able to return to my old job. So, I began looking around, and sure enough I found an ad in the local community paper that said simply "Free Job re-training/Job-re-entry Program".... I called them to ask if it had anything to do with computers, as at that time I knew nothing about them and was interested in going that route.
That program, largely as I said designed to help get people off of welfare an back into the workforce, accepted me right away. I told them "Hey look, I'm not on welfare, but once my compo runs out I might very well end up on it, why not help me out now and solve the problem before it starts?"
I found this program to be excellent. It is where I developed all my basic computer skills, was able to get myself a work-experience position at a local ISP, and from that was able to see their in-house webmaster in action.... and the rest as they say is history.
However, not all in that program can claim as much success as I can. I've kept in touch with several of the people from there and I can tell you that only a few had the drive and determination and COMMITMENT needed to get themselves self-supporting again. Out of the 30-odd people in that program at that time I would say less than ten made something of themselves. The others are still on welfare sucking the government's tit.
One girl got a great opportunity with a florist shop..... and within 2 weeks had blown it by her own counter-productive attitude. Another woman was able to qualify for health care aid training and got herself a good job in a local hospital, only to hook up with a 3-time loser and end up blowing that job down the crapper in less than a year. SHE is now in a shelter for battered women and again back to square one. Two other guys and two more women that I know from that course all had high hopes and talked a good game but are now, 7 years later, still on welfare.
And there was one immigrant from Guatemala, this guy used to be a milk factory worker. He came into the program not asking for much, just a chance to do here what he was doing down there.... and he worked his ass off, and lo and behold he made it happen for himself.... they guy was nearly in tears when he was told he'd been accepted to a local dairy, as he had a wife and 3 small kids to be responsible for. He is still in that job to this day.
I don't see where the government "is not doing enough"..... and definitely handouts aren't the answer either. The programs are available, and FREE to anyone who wants to make something of themselves. There are simply a large number of people in society who choose to be where they are (at the bottom), who love to accept that welfare cheque every month and just exist. Period. Handouts only enable people like that to keep ripping the system. Your donation money would better serve society by you giving it to a local animal shelter, at least animals are smart enough to drink when you lead them to water.
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