K. Sayford-Wilson

Guest Commentary by K. Sayford-Wilson

The Northeast Times just had a cartoon depicting Mayor Nutter with a helmet on his head, preparing for another Town Hall meeting. It made me laugh, but it also made me sad. Mayor Nutter has taken quite a beating lately, and I’m not so sure that he deserves it.

A century ago, my great-grandparents were immigrants from Italy. They raised a family of four children. My great-grandfather worked hard, and died when my grandfather was young. My grandfather and his brother had jobs and helped support my great-grandmother, who also worked - everyone worked to support the family. They didn’t have much, but they got by. My ancestors survived the Great Depression, as did most of our ancestors. Every time I think we’ve got it rough, I think of my ancestors.

Folks - we’re not in the Great Depression (yet). There ARE some real problems here, yes. But I’ve tried to help at least one mother on welfare in Philadelphia to prepare a resume and find a job. We reviewed pages of job listings, and each job was refused for various reasons. She had ‘luxury’ items but couldn’t pay her rent or buy food. If you need a job - you take what’s available. I’ve met other people in similar circumstances that I have tried to help find work. Some people truly can’t pay their bills because their jobs just don’t pay enough. Sometimes there are legitimate issues such as lack of affordable child care or illnesses involved that preclude the ability to work. But many people just aren’t willing to work.

Philadelphia has been hit hard with job losses and closed businesses - take a look at Castor Avenue and Frankford Avenue and witness all the boarded up and closed down storefronts in once thriving areas. This used to be one of America’s strengths - picking itself up and regenerating.  It involves effort on our part to find work and to show up every day to do our jobs. From our immigrant roots, we have worked 10 to 16 hours a day to feed our families - this is not unheard of. If you can’t get a better paying job, then only purchase what is truly needed for your family - food, clothing, shelter, and educate your children. Much of what is in stores now is junk - buy differently and stores will sell differently - it is called the “dollar vote” in economic terms. Google “Recession-proof jobs” and see what you can qualify for in job training. At any library, there are usually free newspapers available that have job listings. Even with the pending budget cuts, there are options - look in the Blue Pages of your phone book. If you’re on Unemployment, Philadelphia has JOIN, which is a Welfare to Work program (215-238-1434).

What is frustrating for agencies and volunteers is when resources and tools are given to help people in need - and the opportunities are lost due to inaction and apathy. Don’t let that happen to you.

K. Sayford-Wilson writes about civic issues and volunteering in Philadelphia, PA.