Job Bank: Opportunities For

Youth And Community

By Tanjua Damon

Are you a student aged 13 through 17 who is looking of a job or a business or individual who needs some chores done? The Newtown Youth Services Job Bank could be the place for you to look for a job or offer a job.

With the school year beginning next week, many students will be looking for a way to make a buck or two after school. There are many people in the community who need help with babysitting, lawn care, cleaning garages, and office help, according to Job Bank Coordinator Laura Amodeo. The jobs offered to students are paid and students must have an interview first and must provide two references.

“It’s definitely an interesting job because I get to deal with different people,” Laura said. “It’s really enlightening.”

Students are also evaluated after each job they complete by the patron, according to Laura. Each month one student is honored for their work ethic and dedication to their job performance.

“It’s a service for Newtown residents and youths,” she said. “It supports Newtown youth. It’s a nice service.”

Some jobs, like after school babysitting, are difficult to fill because middle school students who are usually willing to fill the job do not get out of school until 3:30 pm. But Laura does everything she can to fill the jobs that come into the office.

“Finding after school babysitting is definitely a challenge,” Laura said. “Basically it’s because the students are so busy.”

The Job Bank is good for students so that they can earn some money and get job experience as well as good for patrons in the community who need a little extra help.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for youths to earn a little spending money and get job experience,” Laura said. “It’s also a good way for new people who move to Newtown if they need help with babysitting or other work done.”

Laura enjoys coordinating the Job Bank at Newtown Youth Services because of the support she finds there and the community she is helping to serve.

“This is a great place to work. They are nice people who find positive in everything,” Laura said. “It’s just really a nice atmosphere. I get other experiences and it’s enjoyable.”

So if you are a middle school student or high school student between the ages of 13 and 17 who is looking for a job or you are a community member who needs someone to do a job, contact the Job Bank at Newtown Youth Services at 270-4335.