Participants in the Subsidized Summer Youth Employment Program are thankful for their jobs

Amanda Pickering, 24, of Glouster, and Katlyn Jenkins, 14, of Glouster, are both working in the Athens County Subsidized Summer Youth Employment Program and enjoying the experience.

“I love it,” said Jenkins, who is working with the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) at the Hocking-Athens-Perry Community Action Program (HAPCAP). In her job, she takes calls, makes reports, sends faxes and assists with office work. “I’ve learned a lot,” Jenkins said.

Pickering, meanwhile, works for HAPCAP’s Head Start and Early Head Start programs and has been doing jobs like making fliers, copying papers, planning a movie day for children and working on different projects.

“I love kids,” she said, explaining some of the reasons she likes her job. She also enjoys office work, and said she has done this type of work before.

“I’m always doing something. I’m never just sitting around,” Pickering added. “My days go by very quickly.” As a parent, the pay is also very important for her to help care for her family. Pickering said she has worked since she was 15 years old, and she is thankful to have this job now.

Jenkins added that the educational workshops and seminars that are part of the summer employment program have also been important. She has attended discussions on topics such as sexual harassment and taxes, and said they have been very informative. She is also thankful that the program provides funding to pay for the gas it takes to drive to and from work every day, and also provides lunches for the employees. The job coaches have also been a key part of the program, as they provide assistance and guidance with the work the participants are doing.

“They help a lot,” Jenkins said.