Summer youth jobs returning
By BRIANNA SADLER, Times Leader Staff Writer
POSTED: May 15, 2008
THE BELMONT County Department of Job and Family Services, along with the Board of Commissioners, have partnered to bring the Summer Youth and Recreation Program back to the county for another season.
Since 2001, the program has given underprivileged children throughout the county something to do during the summer months, and with the support of county funding, the parks and recreation programs in Barnesville, Bellaire, Martins Ferry, Mead Township and Shadyside will have more to offer.
The programs will be conducted beginning in June throughout the five communities for families who meet the income eligibility, which is set at 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level Guideline.
Activities being planned include craft making, field trips, character camp, swimming, cheering, baseball, flag football, and Kid Zumba
“These programs have really taken off,” Jim Merryman of Mead Township said. “It allows children to come to our camp, and they really do a bang-up job.”
Commission President Gordie Longshaw said he was pleased that the board and the DJFS could provide a fun learning environment for children, and Commissioner Mark Thomas agreed that the program allows the children to continue their learning even though the school year has ended.
Commissioner Vice President Charles Probst added, “We are excited about children having a fun learning opportunity during their summer break, and building self-esteem is another major component of the summer programs.”
For more information on income eligibility or for information on who to participate, call the DJFS at (740) 695-1075.
In other county business, the commissioners passed a special proclamation declaring May as Foster Parent Month.
Two foster families were given special honors at the commissioners’ regular meeting on Wednesday morning.
Dwayne Pielech, director of the DJFS, presented Jerry and Diane Morris the Foster Parents of the Year award; Terry and Cheryl Loy were honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for their 30 years of service as foster parents in Belmont County.
Sadler may be reached at bsadler@timesleaderonline.com
