Pilot Program Helps Connect People to Jobs

2.23.05 — Butler County United Way has teamed up with the Butler County Department of Job and Family Services to establish Achieving through Community Empowerment (ACE), a program dedicated to promoting community development through the increase in awareness of employment opportunities. 

ACE will specifically target minority/low-income communities through outreach and empowerment efforts to encourage and improve motivation and knowledge of employment and training opportunities that are available throughout the City of Hamilton .

Rev. Elmer Martin, pastor at Payne Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in downtown Hamilton, came up with the idea for ACE and believes it will make a difference in people's lives. "If we can just turn around three lives, that is a difference. I know we are going to do better then that".

Since the program began last December, 18 people have been helped in their job search and 8 have successfully become employed.

Michelle Henry, the Community Liaison for ACE, goes out into the community in search of people seeking jobs, but is often contacted by those who have heard of ACE through word of mouth.

She gives them guidance throughout their job search, no matter what they need. "I help them prepare a resume, go to appointments or even go to court with them. Just being a support to help them understand and cope with what is going on in their life that is preventing them from getting and keeping a job."

ACE reaches out to individuals that are at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty guideline (TANIF eligible) and connects them with potential employers and/or training programs.

This initiative began as a result of rising unemployment in Butler County , particularly in Hamilton . In 2003 the unemployment rate in Butler County was 4.8%, a 1.6% increase since 2001.  In Hamilton , the rate in 2002 was 6.2%, a 1.3% increase since 2001. 

ACE is housed at the BCUW offices and will target individuals between the ages of 16 and 44 who are TANIF eligible. For more information contact Michelle Henry, Community Liaison for the ACE program at 513.863.0800 or mhenry@bc-unitedway.org.