Small Town News

Clergy help usher youths into the workforce

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Group helps 800 people get job skills

Teens suffering through difficult economic times now have more employment opportunities, thanks to certified nonprofit Delmarva Clergy United in Social Action Inc.

Through the Summer Youth Working Program this year, about 800 youths between the ages of 14 and 21 interviewed for 260 positions to find employment. Delmarva Clergy United in Social Action Inc. (DCUSA) in Ellendale works with federal grant funds to match young workers with work sites in the area.

Jobs for this year's employees include retail stores, landscaping and school district jobs. The employees are not paid through the work site, but they receive minimum wage weekly with grant money.

"Our goal is to give the youths an opportunity to have job skills for the workforce in the future," said Roshanda Bull-Turner, a job readiness trainer for the Summer Youth Working Program (SYWP). "We also encourage them to open checking accounts to get the full job experience."

The program allows 260 young workers to be matched with a work site from early July to late September. "They are able to work for 210 hours over the summer before the program expires," Bull-Turner said. "We tell them that when the summer position is completed, they may possibly be hired by the business if they work hard during the program."

Bull-Turner stressed that even though many of the DCUSA administration are members of the clergy, they do not discriminate against people who may not share the same personal beliefs. "We do not turn anyone away from our programs," she said. "We are open to the public and anyone may participate."

A three-day orientation started the summer program before the workers' first day of employment July 6. During this time, the participants learn how to conduct themselves at the work site. Arriving in a timely manner, being respectful and filling out timesheets were among some topics discussed during the session Jed by SYWP Director Kristy Gibbs and job-readiness trainers Bull-Turner and Zabrina Gibbs.

In mid-July, Gov. Jack Markell visited DCUSA to learn more about me other programs organized by the nonprofit. Among the current programs offered are a Teen Crisis Program, a soup kitchen, a support program for young expecting mothers and substance abusers, a computer lab and a shelter home.

"After Gov. Markell visited, we got a call from his office saying how impressed he was with our organization," Bull-Turner said. "He told us that he would be willing to support DCUSA with letters."

Future programs that DCUSA is planning are a recreation center, a nursing home and a garage to ensure fair car-repair rates.

For more information about DCUSA, call 422-2350 or visit ppacvision.org/delmarvaclergyinc/





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