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The Rebound Indiana: Workers still waiting for return to work

Felicia Barner.JPG
Posted at 1:32 AM, Jun 09, 2020
and last updated 2020-06-09 09:26:24-04

The Rebound Indiana is a new initiative from WRTV to help you navigate the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are your source to find all of the information you need on the help that’s available and how to access those resources. We are focused on helping you find employment, make ends meet, manage the pressure of these unprecedented times, and ensure these programs work as promised. Visit theINDYchannel.com/rebound for more information.

INDIANAPOLIS — With the city of Indianapolis reopening, canceled conventions are impacting thousands in the hospitality industry.

Felicia Barner works with Crystal Catering at the Indiana Roof Ballroom.

Lauren and I saw her last in March while hosting the Rose Awards, which celebrate hospitality workers. Luckily, Felicia's employer is paying her through a loan from the Paycheck Protection Program.

"Managing as best as we can," Barner said. "Only get what we need for the week, that's how we will get by."

Johnny Myers is a co-worker. Out of the blue, he mentioned Hiring Hoosiers, the RTV6 commitment connecting people to jobs. Without being prompted, he said he shares the jobs information with friends.

"It's about love, compassion, helping people out," Myers said. "Things Channel 6 does. I love the station, how you'll do things. How you go out, give people opportunities, jobs, making things happening."

Johnny appreciated the box of food his bosses provided at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. On the job, Johnny Myers is known as Johnny Love and this moment shows why.

"Everybody loves, everyone wants to be loved, you know," Myers said. "Everybody started loving, good things come out of love. From whatever you are going through, if somebody shows compassion and love, it makes a better day."

Employees of Crystal Catering are being paid over seven weeks from a loan from the federal Paycheck Protection Program.