BUCYRUS — The staffs from Bucyrus-based businesses, Abilities in Action and Chrysalis Advantage Point, were in Shelby on Wednesday at Pioneer Career and Technology Center to host a financial resource fair, Get Together to Get to Work.
Kimm Kessinger, owner of Abilities in Action, said she obtained a grant through the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council to teach financial literacy classes through Pioneer.
“We received a three-year grant and have been teaching students with special needs about many topics, such as how to complete a W-2, how to sign up for PIPP and Metro and how to apply for social security,” Kessinger said.
With the grant in place, Kessinger has also been able to provide portfolios for each of the 125 students to assist them in job searches when they graduate from Pioneer.
Through her business, she places people with disabilities in jobs throughout Crawford and surrounding counties. Her daughter, Amanda Moran, is the owner of the day rehabilitation facility, Chrysalis.
Rene Burtscher, a math intervention teacher at Pioneer, said the financial resource fair is important for students.
“It gives them the skills and knowledge they need for their future,” Burtscher said.
About 20 agencies and businesses participate in the resource fair, including Crawford County Job and Family Services, three local banks and the Ohio Treasurer’s Office.
Student Stephanie Zehner from Plymouth said she likes being able to talk people.
“I am learning about new resources and finding out information about opportunities to help me in the future,” said Zehner, who plans to attend the registered nursing program at North Central State College in Mansfield.
For more information about Abilities in Action, visit the Abilities in Action website or Chrysalis Advantage Point website.