Peer Advocates Aid Former Coworkers

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 16:25:30 GMT

When Kim Hikade walked out of Joe’s corporate offices on May 30, with the company closing all of its stores, she felt a deep sadness at the loss of her livelihood and the relationships she had acquired over 13 years. “I went through such a range of emotions. Would I find a job at my age? And I worried about my coworkers. Everyone had a different circumstance. I knew some were experiencing pure panic about the unknown that lay ahead,” Hikade said. More than 300 people lost their jobs when the sporting goods store closed last spring. Within days of the notice to close, staff from the Worksource Clackamas’ rapid response team were on site working with the employees, setting up information sessions and workshops. John Blanton, who heads up the rapid response operations, quickly enlisted the help of Hikade and another former Joe’s employee, Michael Shelley, to assist with the efforts to reach out to the displaced workers. So far, that outreach has made the difference for more than 60 employees who lost their jobs at Joe’s. “People have had their lives pulled out from underneath them and realize that there is life after Joe’s. They begin to see it as an opportunity,” Blanton said. Peer advocates have the advantage of a relationship with former coworkers. They assist their peers with navigating the process of skills assessments, workshops and planning for a new career path. “I am excited to be a part of the work world again, this time as a peer advocate for Team Joes,” said Shelley, who lost his job at Joe’s after 20 years with the company. “I am coaching, encouraging and communicating with my former Joe’s coworkers.” Through the assistance of Worksource Clackamas and the peer advocates, at least 33 former Joe’s employees are now enrolled in training programs at community colleges or trade schools, gaining skills for employment in high-demand occupations in fields that include accounting, dental assisting, health care and green industries. Nine people have started new jobs. Peer advocates are also working with laid-off employees from Cleanpak International and Blount/Carlton industries. Employees of those companies are eligible for training funding through the federal Trade Adjustment Assistant program. Often, the challenge is keeping contact with the former employees. “Once they’re gone, it’s like catching wild cats,” said Blanton. The Worksource Clackamas peer advocates are looking for former coworkers of their companies to offer assistance. If you are a former employee of Joe’s, Cleanpak International or Blount/Carlton and would like to contact a peer advocate, please call John Blanton at 503-594-3451 or email johnbl@clackamas.edu.