UMCH to host Ribbon Cutting for CiviCorps Benton Location
United Methodist Children's Home has opened a new office at 308 East Church Street in Benton that houses the Jefferson and Franklin County location of CiviCorps.
An Open House will be held at the new location on Friday, January 27 from 11:30am to 2pm, with the Ribbon Cutting by the Benton Chamber of Commerce at 12pm. The public is invited to attend the open house and ribbon cutting.
“CiviCorps serves youth who live in the community,” states Gary Lemmon, UMCH President / CEO. “Over the past few years we have experienced dramatic growth in community services. UMCH is truly no longer just a children's home.”
CiviCorps is new to UMCH. This program provides young adults, involved in the juvenile justice system, the opportunity to give back to their communities through community service. Such projects hold promise for reducing the recidivism of juvenile offenders by improving vocational and educational skills. The program is intended to anchor participants to the community and their sense of community responsibility. CiviCorps serves young people in Marion, Jefferson and Franklin counties.
“We are very pleased with the response from the Benton Community. They have embraced us with open arms and made us feel very welcomed” adds Jeff Campbell, CiviCorps Program Manager. “We would like to express our gratitude and thanks to the Benton Chamber of Commerce for their assistance, as well as all of the local businesses who have shown their support for the CiviCorps Program.”
At present, CiviCorps has 8 youth enrolled at the Benton site. This program is open to young women and men between the ages of 18 and 24, who have been involved in the Juvenile Justice System in the past 12 months. Anyone interested in enrolling please stop by the office location and talk to a staff member about the program or call 618-435-2100.
“We would also like the community to know that the CiviCorps Program is still looking for meaningful service learning projects. We are looking to help out with projects that will benefit the people of Benton and surrounding community,” says Jeff Campbell. “We have already have completed projects with the Benton Fire Department, Army Corps of Engineers, West City Maintenance Dept, Franklin County Ministerial Alliance, Toys for Tots program, Angel on Assignment, and other agencies in Jefferson and Franklin County.”
CiviCorps is a US Department of Labor grant-funded service provided by United Methodist Children's Home, focused on helping at-risk young adults and improving the community through education and service projects.
If you have questions or concerns about the CiviCorps program contact Jeff Campbell at 618-533-5288 ext. 223.