Education, training program presented to commissioners
GREENCASTLE -- Putnam County officials are considering becoming part of a program that could mean more employees for no extra cost.
On Monday, Pam Yoho, job developer for Arbor Education and Training, presented information to the Putnam County Commissioners about the Community Work Experience Program (CWEP), an offshoot of the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration's Indiana Manpower Placement and Comprehensive Training (IMPACT) program.
The goal of IMPACT, Yoho explained, is to assist those receiving public assistance to become self-sufficient.
IMPACT operates the Community Work Experience Program (CWEP), which places IMPACT clients into unpaid job positions. The clients, Yoho explained, gain work experience and employment skills.
"It's designed to make our participants job ready," Yoho said. "What the county would get in return is additional staff at no cost and with no liability."
Companies also have the option to hire IMPACT clients as permanent employees.
Yoho said the City of Greencastle has been a CWEP worksite for about eight months.
"It's been very successful," she said.
Yoho said IMPACT clients were suited for a variety of jobs -- everything from clerical to building and grounds maintenance positions.
Commissioner Gene Beck wanted to make absolutely sure participation would cost the county nothing.
"(The program is) federally funded," Yoho said. "It's administered by the State of Indiana."
Yoho said those involved in the IMPACT program were basically working for their state assistance benefits.
She also explained that great care would be taken to match the right clients with the county.
"It's an interview process," she said. "You don't have to just take anyone we send. It has to be a perfect fit."
The commissioners took the matter under advisement. It will be revisited at their next meeting.