Encouragement from an unexpected source

Accompanying a relative to the Illinois' Unemployment Office in Arlington Heights yesterday, I was impressed not only by the staff's professionalism, but mostly by their consistent patience and kindness.

No matter the claimants' questions or problems, no matter how upset they were, each and everyone of them was treated with respect and dignity and a smile - can you believe this - a smile, along with encouraging words.

In these harsh times for far too many people, finding empathy in an office that most dread to visit was truly amazing ... and I tell you, each of these claimants left the office with their shoulders a little bit straighter, their faces a little bit brighter.

This was such an unexpectedly heartening experience that I just had to share it! 

Thank you and congratulations IDES Arlington Heights!

Barbara Wroblewski

Wheeling