In recent months, the impact of workforce reductions in the federal government has become increasingly evident through personal stories of those affected. A year after their sudden dismissal, Rebecca Ferguson-Ondrey and Drew Ruby-Howe, both former employees of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, have channeled their experiences into creating a supportive community for others facing similar challenges.
### Background on Federal Workforce Reductions
Their terminations were part of a broader initiative implemented by the second Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, which led to the separation of over 300,000 federal workers. For Ferguson-Ondrey and Ruby-Howe, the emotional toll of losing their jobs was profound. Ferguson-Ondrey described the difficulty of informing her children about her employment termination, recalling it as a moment filled with tears and heartache.
“Having to sit my kids down and tell them that I had been fired was really difficult,” she emphasized. The dual experience of personal loss and professional upheaval left a significant mark on their lives, prompting both to reflect on the nature of their previous public service careers.
### The Journey from Loss to Advocacy
The personal connection that Ferguson-Ondrey and Ruby-Howe share, rooted in their experiences of losing family members at young ages, allowed them to recognize the complex grief associated with their job losses. “There’s something distinct about the dedication of public service,” Ruby-Howe stated, attributing a strong sense of identity and mission to their work.
In the wake of their terminations, the duo sought to create a platform for healing and support. Within days of losing their jobs, they established WellFed, a support network aimed at fired federal employees. Originally starting with just 20 participants in a sponsored gathering that included pizza and a prayer, the group has rapidly expanded to almost 5,000 members nationwide.
### WellFed: A Support System for Federal Workers
WellFed operates primarily through volunteer efforts and has made significant strides in advocating for the rights and needs of former federal employees. The organization has organized over 100 workshops—both in-person and virtual—focused on various aspects of professional and personal growth. These sessions cover vital topics including financial management, resume building, and mental health strategies.
As of now, about 25% of WellFed’s members have successfully secured new employment opportunities. Ferguson-Ondrey reflected on the journey of healing experienced through the organization, stating, “There’s been so much healing, you know, and lifting other people up has helped us heal.”
Both leaders of WellFed acknowledge that the daily needs for support among their members are significant. Ruby-Howe remarked that for many who are still searching for direction, even small daily challenges can feel monumental. The ongoing dedication to aiding individuals in their transitions is a testament to the group’s commitment to its mission: “So we’re here, and we’re not going anywhere.”
### Conclusion: The Path Forward
The formation of WellFed highlights a broader trend concerning mental health and job security among federal employees during economic uncertainties. The group has not only provided a sanctuary for those who have faced abrupt job losses but has also encouraged a community culture of resilience and empowerment.
As they mark the anniversary of their own layoffs, Ferguson-Ondrey and Ruby-Howe continue to advocate for the needs of those impacted by federal workforce reductions. Their work stands as a reminder of the profound effects such changes have on individuals and the importance of community support in navigating the journey of recovery and reinvention.
Source: Original Reporting
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