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1 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Tests say school drinking water is safe ... Wolf kills livestock near Grizzly Peak ... Chamber hosts review of downtown intiatives ... Tests say school drinking water is safe ... Wolf kills livestock near Grizzly Peak ... Chamber hosts review of downtown intiatives ... COUNCIL CORNER The power of a job The Job Connection will help Ashlanders looking for stable work Comment DailyTidings.com Writer Posted Jun. 7, 2016 at 12:01 AM Posted Jun. 7, 2016 at 12:01 AM » RELATED CONTENT • Goodwill office helps Ashland job seekers » Social News In the news we often hear of a “jobs report” that the government issues each month stating how many jobs were created over the past 30 days and whether or not the number of jobs created was ahead or behind what was expected. The story is presented more as a scorecard for the administration at the time to be judged. As almost everything is these days, the results are immediately politicized and used by either party to confirm or criticize whatever strategy the government is using to help the economy. What is often lost, however, is the human story behind the numbers associated with employment in the US. Though many understand the importance of having a job, many also take for granted what having a job really means. It means that a person can support their family and themselves by providing the basic necessities of life. Nearly all of us in our community are either close to someone or have experienced ourselves what it is like to be out of work or at least in a job situation that is unstable. School, health and relationships all suffer as the stress and anxiety builds as a result of the instability. A stable employment situation on the other hand helps address these issues and stabilize the home, allowing the family to address things beyond only their basic needs, giving individuals a chance to chase their dreams, (whatever they may be), or financially support the dreams of their loved ones. A job also provides a person with the pride and self-satisfaction that most of us crave, the feeling that we can take care of ourselves and the people who depend on us. In fact, a good job, one that is stable and provides a livable wage, is our best weapon against generational poverty, as it not only provides immediate financial assistance and stability to the individual and family in need, it also provides a model for future generations of that family to follow. In recognizing this fact, Southern Oregon Goodwill is opening a “Job Connection” office near downtown Ashland this Thursday (June 9) at 310 Oak St., with the intention of helping anyone in our community who is either in need of a job, would like help finding a better or job or acquire skills necessary to improve their employment situation. The Job Connection will be open to everyone and will be a dignified and professional environment. It will be staffed with employment specialists and job coaches who will be available to assist anyone in their journey to better employment and respects the stress that one can be under as a person copes with an unstable or undesirable employment situation. Staff will help individuals address any barriers that may be standing in the way of a successful career and provide them with strategies and training that will assist them in their career journey. As a community, we must continue to support programs and organizations that assist those in need during difficult times. They are critical bridges that help provide stability as individuals and families navigate stormy seas, but we must also support those who seek employment as their way out of poverty and financial turmoil. A stable job and a promising career can address not only financial hardships, but also housing, health care and educational needs, making our community stronger. Greg Lemhouse is a member of the Ashland City Council. DailyTidings.com Writer Posted Jun. 7, 2016 at 12:01 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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