CONTACT: Julie Willmot
(609) 278-7137

TRENTON, N.J.—Mercer County has an array of resources for citizens who may be experiencing medical or financial hardship because of job loss or income reduction, and County Executive Brian M. Hughes has created a package of valuable resources containing information about programs to assist unemployed Mercer County residents, administered by multiple county and state agencies.

“Reaching out for assistance can be a humbling and sometimes confusing experience, especially for people who have never before needed a hand,” said Hughes. “This resource package is designed to provide important information spanning multiple programs and services for Mercer County citizens who may need guidance.”

The guide includes information concerning:

• Applying for unemployment insurance benefits
  
• Educational retraining
  
• Job search programs
  
• Writing an effective resume
  
• Conducting a successful job interview
  

It also incorporates information about other support services such as:

• NJ FamilyCare (healthcare for children, pregnant women and families)
  
• COBRA
  
• Foreclosure prevention/housing information
  
• Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
  
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Food Stamps)
  
• Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
  
• Low-cost legal counsel
  
• Food banks
  
• Heating Assistance
  
• Childcare Assistance
  
• Mental Health information
  

The Guide provides basic information about each program as well as eligibility requirements and application instructions. It also contains an insert detailing the federal government’s temporary COBRA health insurance program. Many of the programs are based on family income, and there are “pre-screening” options available at the websites of some of the programs outlined in the packet. Services that individuals may have previously been ineligible for while receiving Unemployment Benefits might now be an option if their benefits have been exhausted and job-seekers are encouraged to reinvestigate sources that may have been denied previously.

In addition to information about programs and services, Mercer County understands the toll job loss can take on one’s mental health. Programs dealing with mental health and domestic violence are also included in the packet. However, if a person feels the immediate need to speak to someone, anytime of the day or night, he or she is urged to call 2-1-1. For emotional support, call the New Jersey Mental Health Helpline toll-free at 877-294-HELP (4357).

The Resource Guide will be available at all branches of the Mercer County Library System; the County Connection at Route 33 and Paxson Avenue in the Acme Shopping Center, Hamilton; and at County Office of Economic Development and Sustainability, McDade Administration Building, 640 South Broad Street, Trenton, Room 423

Added Hughes, “Even though there are no easy answers, there are steps you can take during this difficult time in your life. First and foremost, ask for help.”