By Bob Strohm
bstrohm@wbcowqel.com
A relatively new program in Crawford County that tries to provide a leg up in getting out of poverty made a presentation of their efforts at Bucyrus City Council Tuesday night.
Crawford Works board members Robin Hildebrand, Pat and Janelle Hord, and Dave Williamson presented their project before council noting that they had based their work off of the Cincinnati Works program two years ago.
Hord began the presentation noting that the group did data and polling of area businesses one year ago and found that the businesses had an average turnover rate of 66 percent in their first year. Hord noted that with that high of a turnover businesses are losing $3.5 million to their businesses hiring and training new people only for those people to quit or get fired within that first year. Hord added that the losses didn’t include losses in production.
Hildebrand explained that the group has deliberately taken a slow approach to see if the program is worth the time and investment. Hildebrand noted that the Crawford Works program began within the Economic Partnership, but it needed a laser focus. Hildebrand was quick to point out to council that the group is not about competing with other programs, but collaborating efforts using gifts that are in the area, but the core of the program is about job readiness and training.
Hildebrand noted that they serve two clients- job seekers and employers. Hildebrand added that oftentimes, people who are impoverished have multiple barriers to overcome before they can become self-sustaining, and that they don’t consider each case a success until the person holds a job for the first year.
Williamson explained that the group is currently a pilot experiment that is non-government funded, but data shows that it can work.
Hildebrand noted that for those to take part in the Crawford Works Program they need to show up for the classes on time and pass a drug test before starting the job search phase with an individual. The employer partner in the program must agree to give interviews to those coming through the Crawford Works program as well as give feedback on the interview.
Hildebrand shared two success stories from the Crawford Works program to council prior to giving stats on the organization.
Councilwoman Monica Sack asked how a group can become a partner in the program, which Hildebrand answered that people could become an employer partner, or a community partner.
Service-Safety Director Jeff Wagner gave an update on the four-way stop at Sandusky Ave. and Irving Street noting that the city so far has received one quote on pole and light replacement and is still waiting on two more quotes. Mayor Jeff Reser added that the four-way stop is not permanent and that the traffic light will be up as soon as the city is able to have it finished.
Auditor Joyce Schifer reported to council that Sewer and Solid Waste funds have had a four percent decline, and might need to be looked at over the next few months.
Bucyrus City Council approved paying $18,000 retroactively to the Ohio Regional Development Corporation for work on the theater demolition/art park in 2016.
Council also approved the appointments of Bobby Carter to the Airport Commission and Sandy Shields to the Bucyrus Public Library Board.
Prior to the city council meeting taking place new Bucyrus Firefighter Austin Ray was sworn in as the newest member of the department.