Well I've heard it said that some of us are only one paycheck away from homelessness.
Due to my parents deaths, the death of one of my sons, totaling my car just after changing my insurance to liability, I stand in the face of that possibility
I live a few blocks from LaborWorks, heard all the negative things about this agency. I have worked for just about every agency in WA. to supplement my retirement income. Enjoyed the work and people at most of them, but have always avoided LaborWorks. But now without a car I decided to walk there and check them out.
First of all I must say you will find a different clientele at LaborWorks than most agencies have, most are people who don't have cars and are having life issues just as I've found myself in recently.
People come as early as 5:00 am and sit waiting and hoping for a job assignment. Most of the jobs are backbreakers at low wages but the clients are grateful for the assignments. Clients who have cars will take others to and from assignments. There is a atmosphere of comradery in the morning, everyone knows why they work there and do their best to help support each other any way they can.
I sat for there for two days and due to me being in my 70's easier work assignments for me did not come in but I had hours to observe the way of LIFE around the place.
I am impressed, this is not just a Temporary Agency per say but a real business that is doing more than offering work but a real social service as well.
We all find it easy to say to ourselves "Get a Job" when we see a homeless person on a street corner begging for money. Well LaborWorks is the only agency I have encountered that truly gives all people a chance to do just that.
John is the desk man handing out the assignments on my days there. He was patient, respectful, treated everyone with dignity. People had a lot of stories as in all work environments but maybe more so here due to people's ruff circumstances. John listened and never criticized or threatened he simply offered his encouragement, understanding and support with the promise that if they came back tomorrow he would have work for them work.
What a relief and hope those words must offer for someone who is overloaded with the trials of making it day to day.....
Even though I did not get work those first two days I left elated everyday with a renewed respect for my fellow humans and knowing John, LaborWorks had a job for me.
LaborWorks may not be the place for all but all would do well to respect this business for the service they are quietly doing for our community.
Rebecca J. Hidalgo read more