Job Bank Helps Kids

To the Editor:

A sincere congratulations to Chris Schmit and Laura Lewis for winning the first annual Job Bank Raffle. The Job Bank is a service provided through Newtown Youth Services. It is compiled of over 150 youth between the ages of 13 and 17 who are interested in performing jobs for people in the community. The job categories include babysitting, yardwork, housework, clerical, animal care, restaurant, tutoring, computers and odd jobs. Each youth is required to submit an application with references, as well as to have an interview to verify that the youth is suitable to work. The purpose of the Job Bank is not only to fill jobs but to also offer youth work experience and the opportunity to build job skills at a young age.

The Job Bank is divided into seven sectors determined by where the youth live in town. This is done so that youth are paired with patrons living in their part of town. When patrons call, they give the basic information about the service they are looking for. Youth in their area will then be called. When a youth is found, that youth’s name and phone number are given to the patron. After each job is filled, an evaluation form is sent to the patron, asking their feedback on the work ethic of the youth. We also offer lists of youth interested in any of the ten job categories. Again these are only of the youth living in the patron’s area. It is for patrons who would like multiple youth’s names on hand.

Each year the Job Bank updates its files by asking each member to return a survey. This year in addition to the survey, we held a raffle. I would again like to congratulate Chris Schmit and Laura Lewis for winning the raffle. If you are interested in either becoming a member of the Job Bank, or have a job you would like filled, please call 270-4335 and ask for Laura.

Sincerely,

Laura Amodeo

41-A Main Street, Newtown                                       August 10, 2001