Article on modern day "debtors prisons"

The Associated Press published a very interesting news report recently that looks at how some Ohio courts are jailing people who are too poor to pay their debts. Click here to read the article, which brings up several important issues.

Large crowd attends regional Job Fair in Athens

Approximately 400 people from around the region attended a Job Fair at the Athens Community Center on Wednesday, April 17, and many of them found leads for new jobs.

At the conclusion of the Job Fair, in fact, four of the 58 employers who took part in the event reported that they had already hired people they had spoken with that day.

First Aid and CPR classes to be offered in May at The Work Station

The Work Station will be holding a CPR Class on Wednesday, May 15 and a First Aid Class on Friday, May 17  

Hear from our clients about the struggles they are facing

Over the last year, Athens County Job and Family Services has invited our clients to tell us about some of the challenges and struggles they are facing.

Comments from a few of our clients about some of the challenges they are facing

·         “I have been ill and unable to work. I am not able to provide my daughter with the things I wish she could have. I do not have money to put gas in the car that I borrow.  Always trying to catch up is depressing and causes more medical problems. I feel like I am letting my daughter down. If anyone thinks this type of life is fun or that we’re lazy, you have no idea.”

Job Fair to be held Wednesday, April 17 in Athens

A Job Fair will be held at the Athens Community Center from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 17. All area residents are invited to attend the event, which will feature a wide range of employers from all across the region.

New report on the problems caused by a lack of transportation in Ohio

Lack of transportation is a major problem for many people in Athens County and around Ohio, and the problem is getting worse.

Hear from a few of our clients about the challenges they are facing

Over the last year, Athens County Job and Family Services has invited our clients to tell us about some of the challenges and struggles they are facing.

As Ohio’s leaders deliberate over the state’s next two-year budget, we are posting a few of these comments each week so that you can hear from some of our neighbors about the obstacles they face every day. We hope our leaders will look at how the budget impacts families who are just trying to survive, instead of only looking at the budget as a series of numbers and dollar signs.

We encourage you to take a few moments to read over the comments. Thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration.

Comments from a few of our clients

“At this point in my life I am without a job and soon I will be living at the homeless shelter with my oldest son and an increase in benefits would GREATLY help me and my son.  We would be able to get back on our feet faster and that would mean that we would not require any benefits.  But as it is now we have to use these benefits just to keep surviving.  If the benefits that we are receiving could help us make the bottom line, then we would not need to use them for a long period of time. “