For tens of thousands of Americans, the past few weeks have been nothing short of a nightmare. With the federal government employee layoffs, many in our community have been confronted with whiplash-inducing, life-changing circumstances. The road ahead is littered with uncertainty. What are we called to do when we can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel? I almost resent the answer. Trust.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your path straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
While trust in the Lord provides the ultimate companionship, it would serve us well to remind each other of the community that He has given us here on Earth. The Outward Ministries team, and all other ministries at Burke Community Church understand that life happens at Earth-shattering frequencies. And we want to do what we do best – surround you.
Volunteers from the Employment Ministry team have collaborated to piece together helpful resources for those who have been affected by the recent cutbacks. Alongside our robust resource list, we took the time to sit down with one of our own volunteers who was let go unexpectedly from her position as a result of the federal layoffs. “One day, I was sending out the layoff notices, and the next day, I received one myself”, recalls a member of Burke Community Church and volunteer with the Employment Ministry. She remains hopeful, however. We are a resource-rich community, and she is informed by her faith.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33
Below are a few practical resources that can help inform your next steps in this journey. From unemployment benefits, to new skills training, to good old-fashioned community – the kind that can save lives, by the way – Burke Community Church is here to support you.
- Filing for Unemployment
- The Commonwealth of Virginia is readily available to provide constituent services, such as unemployment benefits. Based on wages earned, The Virginia Employment Commission pays Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees (UCFE). Click here for more information.
- Virginia Works – a workforce development agency provides several resources for navigating the UCFE. Click the links below for more information.
- Contact the BCC Financial Counseling Ministry for expertise on budget management
- Martin O’Meara- martin832@gmail.com
- Updating Resumes and Building Online Presence
- Virginia Works (VA’s workforce development agency) provides Resume Writing Tips & Tricks.
- Check out Harvard University’s resources for building a resume for the current labor market, including tips for a CV, industry specific resume, and other helpful articles.
- The current labor market thrives online through recruitment platforms, such as LinkedIn, Indeed, Idealist, and ZipRecruiter. Check out this video for helpful tips on building your online profiles.
- Outplacement services can help guide your career transition, as well as provide opportunities for upskilling and reskilling. Check out the agencies below for more information.
- Beacon Hill – Julie Naughton – JNaughton@bhsg.com
- LHH Human Resources Services
- Robert Half
- For long-term federal employees, updating your resume to reflect the needs of the private sector proves to be a challenge. Check out the summary sheet below detailing how best to translate your skills.
- If you would prefer to meet with an expert here at the church, please reach out to the following emails:
- Renata Torres – torres.chipinski@outlook.com
- Tina Rowlett – fourrowletts@verizon.net
- Jim Neighbors – neighborsjames671@gmail.com
- Finding Active Job Boards
- Career fairs and job boards are no longer services exclusive to a college campus! In person interaction with recruiters and companies is a great way to learn more about a new industry, and leave a memorable impression on those seeking to hire.
- Check out Virginia has Jobs for streamlined services, including access to over 100,000 private and public jobs in Northern Virginia alone.
- Virginia Workforce Connection (VAWC) allows you to search more than 400,000 current openings with new postings available everyday.
- Check out this resource for more information about the labor market.
- Keep an eye on Virginia Career Works’ upcoming job fairs to attend, or locate the nearest American Job Center using this finder.
- Career Network Ministry is a volunteer-based ministry in Vienna, VA which offers (free!) support through Job Search Teams, to help motivate and guide you in your journey alongside others who are in a similar position as you.
- Fairfax County Public Schools offers opportunities for federal government professionals looking to transition into the public education sector. Check out this link to continue your journey.
- Fairfax County also provides active job boards with frequent new listings. Check out the links below.
- Continuing Education
- Perhaps recent events have redirected you to a new passion or interest. Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) provides free certification and skills training specifically for displaced federal workers to transition to new careers.
More than anything, now is the time to lean into your community. Feel free to reach out to BCC’s Care Ministries for support – evonnie@burkecommunity.com
