BY PHILL BARNETT
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — Big Sandy Area Community Action Program is looking for more youth workers in Martin County.
BSACAP representatives Jamie Welch and Cara Hager were guest speakers Thursday at the Greater Martin County Kiwanis Club meeting and shared some information.
Welch told the group that BSACAP seeks to help more workers find employment. The program supports workers aged 16 and up in Martin, Floyd, Magoffin, Johnson and Pike counties.
“If you know of anyone that’s wanting a job, please get them to get a hold of me,” Welch said. “I will find them one in any of the five counties.”
BSACAP connects workers with small businesses in the area and in many cases covers the wages for employees hired through their program.
Hager, the BSACAP career advisor in Inez, said she is available on the second floor of the Martin County library Monday through Friday and is working with the youth program.
“If anyone wants to stop by, please feel free,” Hager said.
In order to be eligible for the BSACAP youth program, individuals must be aged 16-24 and meet one of several criteria. Youth offenders who have been arrested in the service area are eligible for the program as well as those who are considered homeless.
Teens and young adults who have been in foster care at any point are also eligible for the program along with parents and parents-to-be, school dropouts, individuals considered basic skills deficient, English-language learners, and individuals with a verifiable disability.
Hager clarified that “homeless” includes all displaced individuals whether they are sleeping on the street, in a car, on a friend’s couch or at their grandparents’.
BSACAP is currently working with several businesses around Martin County to place workers. Warfield City Hall, for instance, is seeking at least two maintenance workers through the program.
The program also provides up to $7,000 funding for job-specific training for those eligible for the program. It also provides other supportive services, such as gas cards
Anyone of any age seeking employment in the five counties serviced should contact BSACAP to be placed with a local business needing employees.