SWHRA gives West Tennessee youth employment boost
WIA Fiscal Clerk Donna Rushing training summer youth
employee Sigourney McCarley.
Over 1,000 young people in twelve West Tennessee counties will get a
chance to learn some valuable job skills this summer, thanks to Southwest
Human Resource Agency (SWHRA) and the federal government. As part of the
Workforce Investment Act (WIA), federal stimulus package dollars are funding
the program, which will put youth, ages 14 to 24, to work in both private
and public sector jobs.
The goal of WIA is to increase employment, job retention, and earnings for
employees while improving the quality of the workforce and productivity.
According to WIA Youth Coordinator Lisa Carter, the applicants selected to
participate in the program had to meet several criteria to be considered.
Those selected will fill a vacant position or internship, or will perform
job shadowing. Each young employee will be placed in one of several
positions which encompass a variety of fields.
“This is the first time that SWHRA has been able to offer jobs at
unsubsidized places of business in the private sector,” stated Carter. “As a
result, jobs have been made available at many local businesses throughout
West Tennessee.”
Some employees have also been placed in county government jobs with the
Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Department of Transportation,
and Department of Health and Human Services to name a few. However, like
many job placement programs in the weakened economy, SWHRA’s program has had
more applicants than positions.
“These jobs allow West Tennessee youth to establish work experience and
learn valuable work habits while providing an incredible service to the
community,” Carter commented.
If you would like additional information about how this program and others
are helping communities in West Tennessee, please contact 1-800-572-5782.
SWHRA partners with SSA
SWHRA Board Chairman Kevin Davis with Technical Expert
Jana Johns of the Social Security Administration.
Southwest Human Resource Agency (SWHRA) is now partnering with the Social
Security Administration (SSA) as a Representative Payee. For many
beneficiaries, a family member or friend serves as the payee. But for a
growing number of individuals, no one is available to fill this role. In an
effort to ensure that beneficiaries who are unable to handle their own
benefits the SSA has qualified representative payees like SWHRA to act in
this capacity.
“I believe this will be an excellent partnership between Southwest Human
Resource agency and the Social Security Administration,” stated Hardin
County Mayor and SWHRA Board Chairman Kevin Davis.
While most people receive their Social Security and Supplemental Security
Income (SSI) payments directly, some need assistance in managing their
benefits. Payments to these individuals are paid through a representative
payee who receives the check on behalf of the beneficiary and provides for
their personal needs.
“I think our partnership with Southwest Human Resource Agency will be a huge
benefit to our beneficiaries,” said Technical Expert Jana Johns with the
Social Security Administration. “It is a much needed service to our
community.”
For more information about the Representative Payee Program, please contact
1-800-497-1286.
A Message from the Executive Director...
Southwest Human Resource Agency continues its long history of being the
premier Community Services delivery organization in West Tennessee.
We are an Agency that continues to establish and maintain an outstanding
reputation for quality human services to West and Central Tennessee Communities.
Our growth and success is due to our desire and commitment to serving our
customer’s needs, whether that be Child Care services, providing a Head Start
for 3 and 4 year old children, providing public transportation, offering
assistance for energy needs, lending a helping hand for youth, dislocated, and
adult workers, or assisting our Senior population with basic needs.
I certainly appreciate our dedicated employees who are to be commended for
accepting the challenge of improving the services we offer.
I trust that you will take a few moments to exlpore our new website and discover
how we are making a difference in people’s lives in Southwest Tennessee.
SWHRA Executive Director
