Unemployment support group offers helping hand to struggling San Carlans

Inside the sun-splashed courtyard of the First Baptist Church, Daniel Curry, late 50s, sat quietly as he listened to stories of hope.

"There was a woman who stood up in church one recent Sunday and asked for help finding work," said Pastor David Bray. "The next Sunday, with the help of work and prayer, she stood up to tell us she had found a job."

Despite the general affluence of San Carlos, Curry is one of many residents struggling to find employment in today's depleted job market. 

Curry has been unemployed for more than two years. He holds an associates degree in liberal arts, is fluent in Hebrew and Japanese, and has work experience in IT security administration. He has "run into some bad luck," he said, notably losing his hearing in his left ear and partially in his right. For six months, he has struggled on disability. And his job search has yielded no results.

That is where the church and Bob Riley come in.

Riley, 62, a social worker in San Bruno, has begun an employment support group for out-of-work San Carlans who need emotional support and help building resumes and networking.

"I have a heart for people who are out of work because I've been out of work a lot in my life," said Riley. "Hopefully a group like this can help people find jobs. But it's tough out there. No doubt about that."

Records show San Carlos has an unemployment rate of 2%. In a city of 28,000, that leaves approximately 560 unemployed San Carlans. Jobs have increased 84% since January of 2009, with an average salary of $61,157. 

The three men sat around a table, awaiting the arrival of others in need of help. On the table, "Cool Careers for Dummies" lay beside prayer guides.  They shared advice on where to look for jobs, friends they have that might help in the search. 

"The church tries to help out any way we can." said Bray. Riley nodded in agreement. "I think once we get going, get a network of people together, we can make some big changes. Or at least help out. Make these people feel a little less alone."