Licking County JFS has provided funding for youth employment programs this summer. The economy has made it very difficult for youth to find part-time summer employment. Realizing that real world work experience builds a solid foundation to a strong work ethic and development of good career choices, our agency set aside TANF/PRC funding to provide low income youth and young adults and opportunity to gain valuable work experience while stimulating the local economy. In addition, summer work also provides activities for teens during the day that would ordinarily be left unsupervised.

The summer employment program is on track to serve about 75 youth who will earn about $2,000 each this summer working a variety of jobs in the community including landscaping, retail, daycare, data entry, food service and other clerical/office work. All programs provide direct supervision. Many of the summer programs offer transportation and work equipment as needed. Youth participants were recruited using the help of Opportunity Links. Programs started in early June and will end August 30. Summer Program sites included: The Salvation Army, C-TEC, Kairos Academy and COTC.