| News Release Ohio Department of Job and Family Services 30 E. Broad Street Columbus, Ohio 43215 3414 | ||
| Ted Strickland Governor |
Helen Jones-Kelley | |
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 27, 2007 |
Contact: Scarlett Bouder or | |
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ODJFS Continues to Assist Displaced Workers in Jackson County Agencies offer an array of services designed to help impacted Meridian employees Columbus - The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS), in conjunction with many agencies in and around Jackson County, ensures many services are available to help displaced workers and their families impacted by the ongoing labor dispute and impending plant closure at Meridian Automotive Systems in Jackson. "Our teams stand ready to assist workers as well as their families," said Helen Jones-Kelley, director of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. "Our comprehensive network of agencies offers solutions to challenges beyond securing employment to ensure people maintain the ability to feed their children, stay healthy, and take care of their families." More than $200,000 in Dislocated Worker Funds are presently available to displaced Meridian workers as a result of a policy change in February that specified that workers who have been out of work as the result of a labor dispute, determined by ODJFS to be a lockout longer 120 days could participate in the program. Services in that program, which is specifically designed to assist workers displaced by disaster, mass layoffs or business closures, include: assessment, job search assistance, resume writing and career counseling are provided to return individuals to work as quickly as possible. Additional services such as in-depth vocational assessment, counseling and career planning can also be provided to guide dislocated workers through a career change. Further information on these programs is available at the Jackson County One-Stop by calling 740-286-4181. Additional assistance and services to employees and their families that address short and long term needs beyond retraining such as cash assistance, food stamps or family support programs are also available through the Jackson County Job and Family Services by also calling 740-286-4181. Those workers living outside of Jackson County may contact their local JFS or One Stop. - 30 - | ||