Contributed GAINING EXPERIENCE – The Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities’ Summer Youth Work Program is underway, giving teens job experience before entering the workforce. Six high school students and recent graduates are working at the Sycamore Youth Center in Steubenville during June, with a second session planned for July in Wintersville and Toronto. Pictured are participants Halee Shaffer and Olivia Ault cleaning the church sanctuary at the site.

STEUBENVILLE — Area teens are gaining job experience while making a difference in the community through the annual Summer Youth Work Program offered by the Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

Six high school students and recent graduates began the first session at the Sycamore Youth Center, where they are working June 2-25 performing housekeeping and maintenance duties.

The group works Tuesdays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. under the supervision of community employment specialists Elyzabeth Grimm and Laura Bomerscheim, along with volunteer assistants.

“We’ve been cleaning the vans, working in the main church area, vacuuming, dusting, cleaning pews, cleaning the art room and library, and packing about 15-20 lunches a day,” Bomerscheim said. “We’ve also been weeding, washing tables and cleaning the kitchen. We work in two groups and try to switch them in the morning and afternoon.”

Grimm said the program has operated for 20 years and helps youth develop job skills as they prepare for future employment, while earning minimum wage of $11 per hour.

“It’s a four-week program and the purpose is so they can plan for entry-level job skills with on-site job coaching and the youth are able to join community employment after graduation,” she said. “This is the first time we’ve been at Sycamore Center and there are all new sites this year. In July, a group will spend two weeks in the village of Wintersville where they will brighten up the community, then we’ll go to Toronto for three weeks to put some shine on the town and paint curbs.”

Participating in the first session are Olivia Ault, Ashton Bowman, Haylee Shaffer, Misha Amis, Katelin Russell and Braden Blackburn. Grimm praised the group for their work ethic.

“We have a wonderful group and they are all hard workers,” she said.

Participants said they have also enjoyed the experience.

“I like the program because we help people who need it, and it’s fun to help,” said Ashton Bowman, a junior at Indian Creek High School and Jefferson County Joint Vocational School. He also said he appreciates earning money and gaining work experience.

“I’ve liked working in the library and cleaning the kindergarten room,” said Misha Amis, an incoming junior at Indian Creek High School and JVS who is participating for a second year. “I think it’s fun working with all of my friends.”

Space is still available for the second session in July, and interested youth may apply through the end of the month. Participants must be age 14 or older and enrolled in school. The Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities program will review qualifications and refer youth for participation.

For more information, contact JCBDD Community Employment Services at 740-266-3840 or email egrimm@jcbdd.comor lbomerscheim@jcbdd.com.