Surviving trying times
The news of
companies laying off workers doesn't get much attention these days because
it happens so often. So what happens to those people? We all hope that
these people find other jobs quickly, but the reality is that some don't.
For a time, Scott Norcross was one of those not so lucky. After working as
an IT professional, Scott was laid off. He found another job and was laid
off again. Then it happened again.
"I was laid
off at least five times, mostly due to cut-backs," Scott said. "I ended up
working as an IT contractor, and, when I was injured and couldn't walk, I
got fired. Living on unemployment wasn't easy."
It wasn't easy
because Scott wasn't alone. He is married and has three sons. When the
family moved to a cheaper apartment because of their financial struggles,
problems with neighbors compounded an already difficult time in their
lives.
Their lifeline
was an LSS housing program called It's All About The Kids. A school social
worker referred the Norcross family to the It's All About The Kids
program, which helps families find stable housing so that the children can
achieve in school, and provides various kinds of support to the family to
make that happen. The Norcross family took advantage of the housing
subsidies and the counseling resources available, and now, apart from a
Section 8 Housing voucher that helps them with their rent, they are
self-sufficient.
"We are
grateful for the help we have received, and believe that it's important to
become self-sufficient, because that aid is then available to someone else
in need," Scott said.
Scott now has
an excellent job at Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, where he leads a team of 24
people in the Imaging Department. Because of his recent success, Scott was
asked to tell his story at the LSS 140th Anniversary Gala in September.
His speech conveyed that same unselfish gratitude toward LSS, and
emphasized that anyone can endure hard circumstances.
"It was fun to
get the call to speak at the gala. I wasn't nervous at all," he said. "I
have such a desire to give back to LSS."
His experience
with LSS has inspired Scott to continue speaking to groups, and to begin
writing a series of books to inspire individuals, families, organizations
and communities to be their best. There is no doubt that he will inspire
many.
