Give InKind’s Care Calendar helps answer a central question: how do we give or receive support when facing a challenge or moving through a transition? In this case, we consider how to set up a support page for someone who has recently lost their job.
Getting Started
Providing broad guidance about how to address a job search is difficult because everyone brings a different skill set to the table. People have variable levels of experience. This guide is intended only to serve only as a starting point. If someone you know is recently unemployed and needs a cheerleader, step right in. It’s hard to get up when you are down. But the fact is, we have all been there. There is truly nothing like belief and the sustaining hand of friendship to lift someone up. Begin by sitting with your loved one and understanding their specific needs. (Take a look at a sample Give InKind Support Page for loss of a job here.)
TIP: Gentle reminder: people may be struggling with feelings of shame or embarrassment about job loss. Ask about who they would feel comfortable having on their team. Don’t try to persuade them to include people with whom they aren’t comfortable. The recipient should be the team leader, no question.
Care Calendar
The family situation of the unemployed person will frame a starting point. Needs will differ. If the unemployed person is a single parent, money and childcare may be paramount. If the unemployed person is feeling crushed and frustrated because their position was made redundant with a larger corporate setting (but s/he may have some financial net) emotional support and an articulated strategy may be most useful. If the unemployed person is a bit older and may have experienced fallout as a result of an uncertain economy, finding work will reflect the need to balance finances, health, and more. We invite you to add as many items to the Care Calendar as you wish.
- Food: Meals and groceries for the family are always among the most popular items. A full pantry is a pretty singular gift to anyone on a budget. Meals are also a loving gift (tip: food is always representative of love). Gift cards to a delivery service such as GrubHub are terrific because it is that kind of small indulgence that goes first in a line-item budget. (Sometimes there is just nothing like a good curry.) If there are children, include healthy snacks in grocery or food drop-offs.
- Childcare: (If applicable) If there are two or more children with different schedules, you can easily build that into the Care Calendar. A parent who may wish to take an online course will still need to concentrate. There may be fees to take the classes. Creating a space for a parent to build on their experiences, makes them more confident and challenges them. These are both good things.
- Pet Care: (If applicable) Are there pets to care for? It may be helpful to make temporary arrangments if this is a factor.
- Home Services: This applies to things like waiting for a service technician when a dryer is on the fritz. Making sure that things are covered helps avoid cumulative things that only get more expensive. Penny-wise is pound foolish. Gather a caring community to form a village and watch your recipient take heart.
- Other: “Other” is the ultimate catch-all category. This is a great way to create opportunities for connection that can sometimes get lost in the shuffle of a crisis. “Other” can be things like wine and cheese via Zoom. Or, go ahead and use the calendar to touch base on where people are in setting their own goals and meeting them. It’s a slog – and lovingly keeping them honest lets your loved one know that you have their back.
Fundraising
People will have different financial circumstances. Discuss them. Remind them that there is no judgment. Things have been topsy-turvy for a while. If there is a need to raise a little cash, simply enable the fundraising button on your Give InKind page and connect your PayPal or GoFundMe account.
Wishlist
The Give InKind Wishlist is another opportunity for others to meaningfully support an unemployed person. Browse Give InKind’s curated list for suggested items that could help in their unique situation. When you see an item that could be helpful, use the “+” icon to add to your Wishlist.
You may also add an existing Amazon Wishlist to your Give InKind page.
Communication Preferences
Use Give InKind’s do-not-disturb section to let others know about a recipient’s preferences. Keep in mind that these preferences can be easily turned on or off as a situation evolves.
- Phone Calls: How do the parents like to communicate – a phone call or text? Some people have strong feelings about these things – it’s frustrating to be waiting for an email or a phone call and having each hopeful *ding* not be the job. (Yet.) Asking about preferences lets someone know you are considering things from their point of view.
- Visitors: In general, it’s nice to check-in. Do ask about preferred times and such.
- Flowers: While flowers won’t hurt, in this circumstance they aren’t totally necessary either.
Updates
Add unlimited updates to keep friends and family informed.
Create your Give InKind Support Page here.
If you have any further questions, visit Give InKind’s Help Center or view our helpful articles about the loss of a job.