Internet radio show to help public better understand agency services, programs
June 2, 2009 -- The Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services will tap the power of a free online service called BlogTalkRadio to help Greater Cincinnati residents gain a better understanding of its many programs and services.

The agency's initial 15-minute program, an interview with Sheila Roth of the Super Jobs Center, aired live at 10-10:15 a.m. Thursday, June 11. People also can listen at their convenience (on their computers) to an archived edition of the show.

Roth discussed the wide array of free services available for job seekers and employers.

For a link to the BlogTalkRadio show page, please click here

Mentors, donations needed to support foster children in higher education
June 2, 2009 -- The recently announced Higher Education Mentoring Initiative (HEMI) is seeking mentors to help Hamilton County foster children finish high school and advance through college or technical school.

The initiative -- a partnership of the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services, Hamilton County Commissioners and the University of Cincinnati -- also is seeking financial donations to help support foster children in academic pursuits.

Each year, mentors will be paired with 25 foster children who attend high school. The mentors will assist, encourage and support academic achievement in high school, as well as post-secondary education.

Each mentor is expected to commit two hours per week to a student -- and be available for additional contact by phone, e-mail and text messaging. Once a month, mentors will attend a social activity provided by the initiative. They'll be required to keep a contact log. They'll attend a one-time six-hour training and three-hour quarterly training. All mentors will undergo background checks.

UC will provide additional support through social work students and an on-campus liaison to foster children. The mentoring relationship will be formal, with results tracked and measured.

To learn more about becoming a mentor, contact Rayma Waters at 513-556-0104 or rayma.waters@uc.edu.

To make a financial donation or host a short "Lunch and Learn" for employees or members of your organization, contact Brian Gregg at 513-946-1728 or greggb@jfs.hamilton-co.org.