Writer and orator Robert Ingersoll is credited with the phrase, “We rise by lifting others.”
This sentiment seems to sum up a program championed through the Portage County Job and Family Services titled the Comprehensive Case Management Employment Program (CCMEP). CCMEP is a free program not only for applicants, but for the Portage County employers who participate in the program. In essence, the program provides mentorship and job experience to young adults while providing local employers with young adults looking for employment. More importantly, the program is free for both parties.
State Farm Agent Shannan Jursa in Garrettsville is a local employer who participates in CCMEP. She has done so since 2017, when she was introduced to her first CCMEP student, Ty’Shaun Caples. In the eight years she’s been a part of the program, Jursa has mentored five students. Currently two CCMEP students – both 15-year-old-boys – are working and learning at Jursa’s State Farm office in Garrettsville.
For those unaware of the program, CCMEP helps young adults (aged 14 – 24) develop skills to become productive, self-sufficient adults. CCMEP offers youths and young adults paid work experience. Wages are paid by the OJFS CCMEP Program, at no cost to the local companies who partner with them.
“These are great kids who, through no fault of their own, live in low-income households,” Jursa shared. “If they are in the program, they are motivated and driven to succeed.”
The program aims to remove barriers to success, such as homelessness, domestic violence, involvement in the court system, or simply needing help in developing the basic skills to become successful young adults. Through this program, young adults can receive guidance in defining their goals, then offer support to help achieve them. CCMEP provides the activities and support to help youths transition to post-secondary education and job training to become self-sufficient, vital members of their communities.
Caples worked at Jursa’s State Farm office in Garrettsville when she first partnered with OJFS to participate. When Jursa first met Caples, she was impressed with his determination and drive. “I didn’t know I needed him, but I found lots of things for him to do.” Today, through his own hard work, Jursa’s mentorship, and the opportunities provided through CCMEP, Caples has been approved to become a State Farm Agent himself. When local businesses and organizations partner to help lift up our young people, the entire community rises.
There are currently more than 20 young adults enrolled in the program in Portage County, but not enough employers for them all. That’s something Shannan Jursa hopes to change. “I want employers to know the program won’t cost them anything. I think they’re afraid there are strings attached, when there aren’t any.”
As for her experience with the program, Jursa shared that having a financially free development period has been beyond valuable in her business. She shared that the program ensures that participants have transportation, work attire, and even workers compensation coverage. Each participant also has a manager to ensure they meet the guidelines of both the program and the employer. And if a participant isn’t a good fit for the employment opportunity, they can be relocated.
If you’re reading this and run a business in Portage County, the only thing holding you back from participating may be the paperwork. Reach out to Mary Geraci at Portage County Job and Family Services for more information on CCMEP via email at mary.geraci@jfs.ohio.gov.
