Over the last several years, Bethel has seen the face of our clients change. In the beginning, most clients were Senior Citizens and the homeless but now we see many youth (24 years of age or less) with their children coming through our doors for a variety of services. In 2008, Bethel received on-going funding through the Cumberland County One Stop Career Center for an Out of School Youth (ranging in age from 18 – 21 years of age) Program.
Eligibility criteria is:

• Youth between the ages of 18 – 21 years of age;
• No longer attending school;
• Low Income;
• One or more of the following “employment barriers”: tests below 8th grade education      level; school drop-out; homeless; offender; pregnant or parenting; or needs additional assistance to complete an educational program

In order to enroll in the program, potential participants must bring in: a birth certificate, social security card, proof of residency, proof of income for all residents in the household and if a male over the age of 18, they must be registered with Selective Service.

Program Includes:
Academic Skill Advancement: includes TABE pre and post test as well as 50 hours of tutoring either one-on-one or in a group setting. Those who need a high school diploma will take the test after 50 hours of tutoring.

Work Readiness/ Work Maturity Activities: includes a total of 40 hours of class time in work ethic; computer literacy; thinking skills and workplace competency skills.

Career Planning Activities: includes career day ( a total of 10 hours) in a variety of areas with presentations from individuals in identified employment fields to assist individuals in career exploration.

Employment Experience: Participants entering this phase perform work experience in the areas of food service, clerical and housekeeping for a total of 245 hours.

Program Benefits:
• Successfully obtain GED and/or educational tutoring to enroll in secondary education
• Develop positive work readiness skills that will lead to successful employment
• Opportunity to explore various career paths to assist in setting long and short term goals.