Tara's Story

Tara is one of thousands of Spokane County residents who are looking for jobs.

With unemployment hovering at about 9 percent and no instant fix for the economy on the horizon, Tara faces steep competition every time she applies for work. In the past six months, the unemployed benefits specialist, who held the same job for 14 years before being laid off, has sent out more than 70 resumes and gotten just three interviews.

“I’ve been having a very hard time finding a job,” said Tara, who has gone without income for two weeks while waiting for an extension on her unemployment benefits to come through.

Tara’s position working as a benefits specialist for a local credit union was eliminated after 14 years. The 41-year-old single mom has two school-age children, 10 and 15, as well as a 21-year-old who is unable to find construction work locally and is now trying to find work in the Seattle area.

Since the family only qualifies for $75 in food stamps, keeping the children fed has become a challenge. Tara’s two younger children now receive free and reduced price meals at school. Their grandma and grandpa purchase items like peanut butter, bread and milk to help out. The change in income and stability has been tough on the children.

“The kids, they go through all of the emotional stuff and the depression,” Tara said.

In the past, Tara has donated to local hunger-relief causes. Now, for the first time, she is seeking help.

At a recent Second Harvest Mobile Food Bank distribution held in Spokane Valley, Tara was able to get fresh apples, potatoes, watermelon, onions, bread and other items. The food will provide a healthier diet for her kids while helping her stretch her limited dollars to pay for other living expenses.

“This will definitely help – especially the potatoes and the bread,” Tara said. “We appreciate this.”

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