Who Pulled The Rug Out?

Who Pulled the Rug Out? Out community has responded well in the past – Columbine Columbine 9/11 9/11 The current crisis is more subtle – not a one- time “event” Stealth Crisis Job losses, Home foreclosures, bankruptcies All these changes happening simultaneously can create a “community post-traumatic stress syndrome”

Who Pulled the Rug Out? As leaders in the community we want to act pro- actively to help people process their feelings and emotions…...especially the more subtle emotions that might stay below the surface with no easy outlet. Stock market peaked in 2007 at 14,000 – dropped to 6,600 (-52%) on March 6, 2009 Major companies – Bear Stearns, Lehman Brothers, General Motors, Chrysler – bankrupt

Who Pulled the Rug Out? Our sense of security has been shaken 401k accounts have been decimated – some have to consider postponing retirement Home prices have plunged causing many to be “underwater” Parents and students are more concerned than ever about paying college tuition We read the papers about people losing their homes to foreclosure and bankruptcy

Who Pulled the Rug Out? Unemployment has risen dramatically and is expected to continue to rise We read about states like California, on the brink of bankruptcy, slashing public services On the national level: Social Security and Medicare expecting large cuts Record budget deficits, record national debt U.S. leadership of world economy is declining

Who Pulled the Rug Out? Seeing signs of community “stress fractures” We do not have to walk through difficult situations alone – There is an incredibly diverse set of resources available if we know where to look. Some Examples of Needs YMCA - Bob Lomauro – the Y has seen a 20% increase in requests for financial assistance

Who Pulled the Rug Out? Some Examples of Needs Bernards HS - John Grund –programs and staff will be cut at a time when more people need help. Visiting Nurse Association - Claire O’Brien – there has been a drop off in grant money; nursing staff is noticing that there are more people seeking senior care assistance because the caregivers need to go back to work.

Who Pulled the Rug Out? Some Examples of Needs Local Clergy – report an increase in requests for financial assistance Board of Health - Laura Steele – noticing more calls for assistance with health insurance. William Anin Middle School - Barbara Bush - staff cuts; staff dealing with more work, larger classes, less resources to do the job. Programs are also being cut – most after-school programs in elementary & middle school…

Who Pulled the Rug Out? Some Examples of Needs William Anin Middle School - Barbara Bush – …many clubs have been cut at Ridge HS Summer staff reductions; hearing about more families with homes in foreclosure; high school students worried about paying for college, more pressure for academic and athletic scholarships.

Who Pulled the Rug Out? William Anin Middle School - Barbara Bush – Some school problems reflect student’s inability to understand and cope with financial problems at home. Somerset County Family Services Has noticed a big increase in the number of children who are coming in for psychiatric screening. In the past, in an average week there were children screened; now they are up to 70. ***************************************