I just talked to an old friend. Her husband lost his job and they are off of unemployment. They have 4 children. I'd like to do something. Have you ever had a friend in this situation? If so, what have you done for them. Or, have you been in this situation and what has a friend done for you? I don't have a lot of extra $$$ myself, so I'd love some ideas. Thanks!
2007-12-26 14:33:57 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Family & Relationships ➔ Friends
You're all giving great ideas! They actually live in another state, so I can't drop in unfortunately, but thanks so much for your help! Keep the ideas coming :-)
2007-12-27 00:02:16 · update #1
send anonymous inspirational messages.
this doesn't require $ and it saves them and you awkward momments. good luck
2007-12-26 14:59:11 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ask if there is anyway you can help. But be aware that a lot of people have pride and won't accept "charity". If that is the case then look for things-like you can show up and take them all out to dinner. Help her with child care. Maybe see if you can't give her a "loan" and then conveniently forget to have her pay it back. See if you can pay bills for her (like utility and cable. Often they will take money from whoever, as long as you have an account #). Let her know that this isn't charity, because you are her friend and she has been there for you and would do the same for you.
2007-12-26 14:40:07 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Right now, they have no $ for the simple, nice things. Make/send a a pan full of brownies. If you're nearby, buy them 2 movie tickets and babysit their kids while they go out.
My mom used to stop by for a visit and then secretly slip a $10 bill in the coat pocket of her pals going thru hard times.
It delighted her, when she talked to them a couple days later and they said to her: 'I think God is listening to my prayers cuz today I dound $10 in my coat pocket that I must've forgot about - isn't that wonderful?!' Most importantly, LISTEN, and encourage them onward. Listen carefully; maybe your brother-in-law can fix their clutch for near nothing? Maybe your neighbor can get their furnace working for the rest of the winter? Stuff like that. Your over-burdened friend already has an ace up her sleeve tho - cuz you cared enough to pose your query here, and cuz you sincerely care. Best to you! :)
2007-12-26 14:50:08 · answer #3 · answered by jbloor@att.net 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
1. don't offer them money
2. don't ask, "So, did XXX find something yet"?
3. get a copy of his resume if relevant
4. contact every person that you know. tell them about your friend's husband looking for a
5. do make sure to encourage them, telling them they need to 'do what they need to do' in terms of getting assistance etc.
Realize that the 'month per $10K' rule is still in effect - meaning that each $10K of salary translates into one month of looking.
Longterm unemployment really sucks.
2007-12-26 14:41:24 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
The best thing you can do is to be an encouragement to both your friend and her husband. Also, be on the look out for jobs he may be right for. It always helps to have a friend keeping an eye out for pontential new jobs.
2007-12-26 14:37:37 · answer #5 · answered by Lov'n IT! 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Pray for them!
Maybe if you have any extra food in your cabinets you could share it,also if they don't have a washer &dryer maybe they could do laundry at your house,maybe have them over for dinner as much as possible and maybe you could help them get some kind of asistance
2007-12-26 14:40:05 · answer #6 · answered by oxendinebrenda 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you can network for him by talking to people you know that may know someone in his industry
2007-12-26 14:53:52 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋