Youngstown, OH (PRWEB) August 03, 2015
Participating in OhioHigherEd’s (Department of Higher Education), GIVE back. GO forward program, Mature Services’ Employment & Training Solutions will help older individuals trade volunteering their time for college tuition credits.
Through the GIVE back. GO forward. program, adults age 60 and over volunteer 100+ hours at organizations in the community identified as having a need, and earn college/university waivers they can use, or assign to family members or others, to attend Youngstown State University (YSU) and Eastern Gateway Community College (EGCC).
“As someone who was going to graduate school, working full time and attempting not to take out any loans along the way, I personally appreciate how important and helpful this program will be to help others achieve their educational goals. I am pleased that our organization can be a partner in this effort,” stated Karen Hrdlicka, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mature Services.
Mature Services is participating in the pilot run of the program in Youngstown and will be providing assistance keeping track of volunteer hours and assisting with the collection of data with project volunteer organizations so it can be provided to YSU and EGCC.
“This is a natural fit this for us, since we have an office serving Mahoning county and the focus of our program is providing training and education to mature workers who want to get back into, or stay in, the workforce,” said Janice Gathers, Assistant Vice President for Workforce Development.
“We often have individuals who would like to take college courses and make a career change,” added Julie Sheely, Project Director at Mature Services’ Youngstown office and the local contact for the GIVE back. GO forward. program. “This is a wonderful way to help them achieve those goals,” Sheely added. This program was made possible by through the efforts of Ohio Governor John Kasich and the Department of Higher Education.
Mature Services provides high-quality programs to empower the economic, social, physical, and mental well-being of adults as they age. Programs include homecare, integrated mental health counseling and addiction prevention and treatment, job training, home delivered and congregate meals, volunteer opportunities and an emergency food pantry. Information about the agency can be found at http://www.matureservices.org or by calling 330-253-4597.
For information on the GIVE back. GO forward. program, please call Julie Sheely at 330-782-0978. To find a Volunteer Interest Form, visit https://www.ohiohighered.org/sites/ohiohighered.org/files/uploads/Link/NEW-Volunteer-Interest-Form.pdf.