Henry Genga

Advice for Student Loan Borrowers:
You can check out Governor Lamont’s FREE ADVICE and options for those who have student loan debt.
 

NEW Online learning offerings – come out of this pandemic with new options for your future:

1. Free Online Industry Certifications
   Governor Lamont today announced the statewide expansion of a program that will make free online learning licenses available to recipients of unemployment insurance, including those who have been impacted by the economic fallout of the COVID-19 public health crisis, or anyone that wants to build their resumes .  The “SkillUp CT” program will significantly expand access to comprehensive online course work from a leading global provider for thousands of Connecticut residents. This will enable recently laid-off workers to upgrade their skills and earn industry-recognized certifications.  Eligible Connecticut residents will receive email instructions on obtaining a Metrix Learning license that provides them access to about 5,000 online Skillsoft courses in areas such as information technology, business analysis, customer service, project management, and digital literacy, among others. Anyone with an internet connection and a computer can access courses. SkillUp CT also offers training tracks leading to over 100 industry certifications and will provide career coaching through the workforce boards. To enroll in SkillUp CT, unemployment insurance claimants in Connecticut should visit: www.ct.metrixlearning.com/landing.cfm

1.  East Hartford Public Library

Looking for help with job searching, resume writing, and interview practice? The library subscribes to Brain Fuse's JobNow! database. Using just your valid library card, you have access to a wealth of free -- yes, truly free! -- resources to aid you in your job search. Head of Reference & Cultural Assets Manager Jason Pannone walks you through some of the most important features of this database in this instructional video.

 Job Now! can be accessed with an East Hartford Public Library card. We are issuing temporary cards over the phone M – F, 9 – 5 @ 860.290.4330
 

1. Goodwill Career Center – Let’s Get Through this Together Workshop Series:

Goodwill Career Centers will be presenting our Let’s Get Through This Together Workshop every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 1pm! The Workshop goes over the resources and supports available to CT residents who may be experiencing hardship due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. To register for the Workshops, go to https://www.gwct.org/career-coaching and click Register Here. Then fill out the form and select a workshop date/time that works for you!  Once someone fills out the form, a Career Coach will follow-up with instructions on how to attend the workshop virtually.
 

1. Be a Better Leader – Workshops from Leadership Greater Hartford

Leadership Greater Hartford (LGH) is committed to serving and providing timely resources for the leaders of our region. Leaders at all levels and across all sectors are facing circumstances that no one has ever experienced before. To respond to the evolving needs of our network, LGH is providing a free webinar series. The series will feature some of the best leadership minds locally and nationally, as we strive to support our community navigating the “new normal”.  For more information, please go here:
https://www.metrohartford.com/about-us/newsroom/leadership-greater-hartford-announces-free-lunch-time-webinars/
 
 
Face mask executive order:
Governor Lamont has ordered anyone in a public place unable to maintain a safe, social distance of 6 feet shall cover their mouth and nose with a mask or cloth face covering.  Watch the U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Jerome Adams demonstrate how to make your own face mask here.  Spanish language tutorials on how to make a face mask with and without a sewing machine are available here. If you do not have access to a cloth or N95 mask, but have a bandana or a scarf, you can MAKE YOUR OWN!
 
Wondering about your Economic Impact Payment?
You can check the status of these payments, which are being handled by the IRS: HERE
 
Unemployment Resources

• Unemployed restaurant workers can apply for a $500 grant through the National Restaurant Foundation Educational Association here.
• The Connecticut Department of Labor’s weekly Unemployment Insurance webinar can be found here.
• Unemployment data and how to understand it found here.

 
Toilet Paper!
Getting sick of stocking up on supplies yet?  Have some fun doing and plan ahead with The Toilet Paper Calculator
 
Free Monday Meditations!
Prosperity Now!, a nonprofit who works to ensure all families prosper is offering FREE guided meditation and mindfulness practice on Monday afternoons.   Join them Mondays starting May 11, 2020 for 30 minutes, 4:30 – 5pm EST for guided meditation and mindfulness – no prior experience necessary, come as you are!  The series will be led by Hilba Haroon, a certified yoga and meditation instructor.  Please contact her at hharoon@prosperitynow.org if you have any questions.