Town to Offer "Do-It-Yourself" Solutions

Working with area service agencies, businesses and churches, the Town of Clayton has scheduled a series of four free workshops this spring aimed at helping those adversely impacted by the current economic crisis get back on their feet.

Titled A Do-It-Yourself Bailout, the four workshops will offer practical tools and information on topics ranging from employment issues and health care to saving money on utilities and managing finances in a crisis. All four are open to everyone. Registration forms can be obtained at The Clayton Center and particpating community and business partners. Registration forms may be mailed or dropped off at The Clayton Center in advance of the event or events you plan to attend.

"With unemployment in Johnston County the highest ever recorded, people are hurting and need help," said Councilman Bob Ahlert. "The federal government is doing all it can on a national level, and we feel there's a part that local government can play, too."

Here is the workshop schedule:

Tuesday, April 21 - Managing Your Finances in a Crisis

Tuesday, April 28 - Employment Issues & Opportunities

Tuesday, May 5 - Healthcare Issues & Opportunities

Tuesday, May 12 - How to Cut the Fat Out of Your Electric
Bill (and other bills, too): Part 2

Event Registration Form

All sessions will be held at The Clayton Center at 111 E. Second Street in downtown Clayton from 6:30 pm to 8 pm. Registration forms will be distributed throughout the area. Childcare is available for those who need it through cooperation with "The Second Street Center". Need for child care should be noted on the preregistration form. Seating will be limited to those adult participants in attendance.

"Our hope is that those who need help will come out of these sessions with the help they need," said Councilman Michael Grannis. "We're grateful for all the help and support we've gotten for this initiative from throughout the community. Pulling together in a crisis is what good, solid communities do."

Some of the town's program supporters in the initiative include First Citizens Bank, Four Oaks Bank, Capital Bank, Project Access, the Capital Area Joblink Career Center, New Trinity Missionary Baptist Church, Mt. Vernon Christian Church and the Johnston County Department’s of Public Health, Mental Health and Social Services.