University offers “Support Gateway for Unemployed Workers”

By K.O. Jackson
Tribune business writer

At least a “couple of times a week,” Richard E. Brown visits the downtown Kokomo/Howard County Public Library to read the classifieds in search of work.

Since April, he’s been laid off from an Indianapolis manufacturing job. He and his wife, Michelle, are living with her parents in Kokomo.

Brown, 35, wants to go back to school to get more education in hopes it will lead to a better job, but he said “our money is tight. I am looking for a way to make a way. It’s hard out here.”

Perhaps Brown and others who are unemployed and underemployed can find help this Friday as Indiana University Kokomo hosts “Support Gateway for Unemployed Workers” from 3 to 6 p.m. in Alumni Hall.

Local unemployed and underemployed workers can connect directly with service providers, said Paul Allor, development specialist for the city of Kokomo Department of Development.

The Support Gateway features providers ranging from financial to emotional services.

This spring, service providers met at IUK to discuss their services and how they could support each another.

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