A way for a true grassroots program to help lower unemployment in the county would be to bring a better chance of gaining needed employment to otherwise capable folks who need a helping hand for a particular problem they have. When applying for a job a big part of gaining employment has always been the personal presentation they give at an interview for a job. In this time of hardship we are in where funds are scarce for so many so many have very real dental problems that affect chances of gaining employment.
Would it not be a great community service, a bump up to those who would benefit from such a service, to have our local dentist pro-bono a day or two a month to helping folks who are unemployed improve there personal appearances by bringing a nice smile back into their chances of find a job.
The county could offer a degree of funding to help this program, with the long-term benefit of future taxation from those who would be given such help, given that they would be earning a living on their own, thus paying taxes that without a job, they may not pay.
Such a program would be a statement by the community as a whole, desires to reach out to its fellow citizens who need a helping hand. We have food, childcare and other programs to help those in need, and such a program, while not sounding like a big deal, really is in getting a job. Ask anyone in management if this issue would help many, otherwise qualified citizens gain employment with jobs that the employee works with the general public.
If it helped 20 people a month who would be 240 folks a year have a better chance of returning to the workforce. This is not big government, but local folks helping local folks. The dentist could be rewarded by other businesses, offering them a free lunch or dinner or a cold beer on the house, etc., or just a smile and praise from the citizens of our county for their efforts.
Jim Hall
Clearlake Oaks
