Summer youth jobs now being offered

VW independent/submitted information

The Van Wert County Department of Job and Family Services has partnered with Vantage Career Center and is now taking applications for the 2015 Summer Youth Employment Program. The program, for those between the ages of 16 and 24, will run from now through October 31.

The Summer youth employment programs are designed to allow lower-income youths to gain valuable work experience and skills, while earning a paycheck to help meet basic needs. They also offer the opportunity for youngsters to develop a work history and to receive a reference from an employer as well.

Wages are paid by the program and participants are matched with area businesses and non-profit organizations that have summer jobs available and that provide mentoring throughout the summer job experience. Those who complete the program receive a certificate of completion and the satisfaction of a job well done.

General requirements are that participants be in the above age range, be county residents and live in households that fall within 200 percent of federal poverty levels.

For the TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) Summer Youth Program, participants must be either:

• A minor child (16-17) and still enrolled in high school
• 18-24 and live in a household with a minor child
• 18-24 and the non-custodial parent of a minor child
• A foster child in PCSA custody

Those who meet the above general requirements, or want more information on the programs, can call or stop by Van Wert Job and Family Services office at 114 E. Main St. in downtown Van Wert. Applications are available in the reception area in the lobby.

Since the program is for low-income county residents, those applying will need to being income verification for their entire household for the past 30 days, and birth certificate/social security cards/IDs for all household members.

Family income limits are as follows: One-person, $1,962; two people, $2,655; three people, $3,349; four people, $4,042; five people, $4,735; six people, $5,429; seven people, $6,122; eight people, $6,815.

Those applicants ages 16 or 17 will also have to have a parent or guardian sign for them to apply. Jobs are limited for don’t delay in applying.