Developmental disabilities board program a success

STEUBENVILLE -- While the Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities has been helping teens and adults transition into the working world for years, it is the partnerships with those throughout the community which help in accomplishing that goal.

From summer youth programs to employment opportunities, JCBDD's Community Employment Services program has assisted its participants to help them become more independent members of society.

Community employment specialists Renee Pastre Hanlin and Angela Goodrich explained 26 individuals are currently employed locally, including at restaurants and retail establishments. That is due to the support received from area businesses, which has made it all possible.

"The summer youth partners play an important role in what we do," said Pastre Hanlin. "They've permitted us to conduct our summer youth work experience programs each year, accommodating up to 12 participants at each site. This year, about 20 youth will spend time performing maintenance and janitorial tasks for the Village of Mingo Junction, Friendship Park and Bacon Ridge Farms. Previous projects have ranged from cleaning facilities to landscaping and painting and other forms of beautification."

Pastre Hanlin said area parks accommodated the program when COVID occurred, allowing teens to work in the open air and at a safe distance to meet health guidelines amid the pandemic.

"We are very appreciative and thankful, especially to Friendship Park and Jefferson State Lake," she added. Meanwhile, businesses such as area Kroger stores, Eat n' Park and Parkhurst Food Service at Franciscan University of Steubenville have provided longtime gainful employment to many teens and adults.

"We have worked with food service vendors at Franciscan for more than 30 years, even as vendors have changed from Marriott Foods, Sodexho and Parkhurst," Pastre Hanlin continued. "They have been our biggest supporter."

"They have been a lifelong program partner," Goodrich added, saying, "Each of the vendors has always been willing to open their doors and support the people we work with."

CES provides pre-employment transition services and driver's permit tutoring. These services are an asset when working to accomplish their personal goals, they noted. "Having the support of area businesses is vital when supporting the people that we serve," Goodrich stated. "These partners allow us to come into their business with an individual and assess their strengths and weaknesses. Most start at an entry-level position and many have independently advanced over the years. Our motto is 'Obtain a job, maintain that job and advance to another.' Our goal is to see them succeed and become fully-engaged in the community."

For information regarding CES, contact the program at (740) 266-3840.