HARCATUS program gives young adults a hand up
The program offers paid classroom and work experience for Tuscarawas County residents age 18-24 that provides participants the opportunity to explore career options while earning an hourly wage.
Tailoring a program to an individual’s interests allows young people to explore their options and gain the skills needed to hold a steady job. This focus by the Youth Employment Services program, offered through HARCATUS, has seen much success.
The program offers paid classroom and work experience for Tuscarawas County residents age 18-24 that provides participants the opportunity to explore career options while earning an hourly wage.
“This is truly a one-of-a-kind program,” YES program coordinator Tonya Ross said. “Each participant will explore options that will suit their individual career goals. I would like each participant to try multiple work experiences during their time in the program. This allows for more flexible work options for their future.”
Classroom topics include resume writing, interviewing, career development, citizenship and financial budgeting. During work experience time, participants will have the option of on-the-job training at many local businesses.
Ross said one mother enrolled in YES to obtain a GED and employment skills. The woman became pregnant with her second child, and her studies had to be put on hold. She returned within the program year and completed her goals and got a driver’s license.
“She is now seeking employment to help support herself and her children with the supportive services that the YES program has to offer,” Ross said.
The YES program is funded by a grant and is available only to those who meet certain eligibility requirements and have a qualifying barrier to employment. Potential barriers include lack of a high school diploma, living in a high-poverty area, receiving SNAP or OWF funds, past involvement in foster care, past or current involvement in the justice system, being a teen parent, or having a disability.
The program is currently being offered to students who are not attending school or have not attended in the past 90 days. Participants must be willing to commit to program hours, obtaining a GED if needed, and gaining meaningful employment at the conclusion of the program.
Of the businesses involved, Ross said, “The business partners have said they enjoy having the students participate in the work portion of the program. Each participant gets an opportunity to work at a local business in their chosen career field.”
Some of the sites that have hosted YES program participants in previous years are Buehler’s, Rural King, Best Western, Animal Crackers Pet Grooming, Tuscarawas County Humane Society and Lauren Manufacturing. The students also have assisted at many local churches during special events, United Way promotions and at Trumpet in the Land.
The participants said the YES program keeps them on track, allows them to gain experience and helps them learn to perform the job they want.
Ross said a lack of experience or education can make finding meaningful work difficult. Transportation is another barrier that can be overcome.
“Transportation for participants can be arranged to and from class, work experiences and GED classes as needed,” Ross said. “Don’t be held back from your future due to lack of transportation. Allow YES to assist you in getting on track.”
To learn more about YES, call 330-432-8515 or email yes@harcatus.org.