By Stephen Smoot
Family Support Centers in Pendleton County and across the area have explored a variety of ways to help those who rely on their presence and services, as well as the broader community.
Recently the FSC in Franklin held an open house to announce the opening of a new service attached to their facility.
The West Virginia Department of Human Services Bureau for Family Assistance, along with WVAdultEd, and the West Virginia Department of Education supports a program called Strategic Planning in Occupational Knowledge for Employment and Success. Also known as SPOKES, the program starts a client in the West Virginia Works program.
Step two involves preparing the client to work with “job readiness” training. Participants can learn the basics of a job search, including making a resume and how to interview. Career training can develop skills in customer service and knowledge of workplace technology. These will lead to the third step, which lies in earning certifications or other workplace skills markers.
These certifications come from industry recognized leaders, such as Microsoft, Intuit, and Adobe. Edna Mullenax, executive director, who organized the event, stated that “the need for the SPOKES business station is to support adult education, employment and training needs.” Annie May, a program administrator with the Family Support Center in Franklin, went on to say that program participants can work on essentials such as a GED preparation as well.
May emphasized that while most Family Support Center facilities and programs are for families only, that anyone from the community in the SPOKES program could use the business center, not just family participants.
Of the open house, May said, “It was great. We were able to show to the community what the new business center can offer.” She shared that “we had commissioners Carl Hevener and Roger Dahmer, as well as Karen Pitsenbarger, county administrator.”
Commissioners had voted $10,000 to support half of the cost of putting in the center.
“I want to thank Anthony Bonner from SPOKES, because he built the center for us and the community,” said May. Others who came to gather, share fellowship, and spread information included Susan Knibiehly and Becky Yokum with Eastern Action. Tonya Wright from the WIC program attended as well.
“Some of the families whom we work with came as well,” said May. All enjoyed a spread of food and drinks for the lunchtime event.
In addition to the success of the open house, May praised all who responded to support the Warm the Children fundraising program. She shared that though the final tally is not yet available, that staff was both impressed with and appreciative of the better-than-expected donations.
