Today, from 3-6 p.m. at the DJFS in Middleport, is the only day youth can register for the program funded by Temporary Assistance for Needy Families funds and federal stimulus money from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of which Ohio received $47 million.
In addition to the age criteria, participants must meet the following TANF eligibility criteria: household income is at or below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Guideline; youth ages 14-17 is a minor child in a needy family and is in school; or youth ages 18-24 is in a needy family that also has a minor child; or youth ages 18-24 that have a minor child and are considered needy.
Any youth under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for today’s screening process. Bring proof of household income for the last 30 days and proof of age of youth participant and all minor children in the household. Only residents of Meigs County are eligible.
Chris Shank, director of MCDJFS, said the jobs will offered in the public sector — for example, the program has been made available to the county’s five incorporated villages, the three school districts, Carleton School and Meigs Industries, the Athens-Meigs Educational Service Center and Meigs County office holders. Shank anticipates the program providing jobs for around 75-85 youth who qualify.
The program reimburses employers, 100 percent, for wages as well as fringes (workers compensation, social security, PERS, etc.), which the employee earns between June 1-Aug. 31. The program will pay a wage up to $10 per hour but Shank said after speaking with employers, most wages will be either minimum wage or $8 per hour.
Jobs are not guaranteed in the program and if there are more candidates than employers, Shank said it’s likely a waiting list will be developed should slots open up.
With many workplaces in the public sector cutting back to save money, the program is also geared to fill this staffing gap as well as provide jobs to those who are eligible and wish to work.
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