Mountain Home AFB in cooperation with the state job services has
the Youth Employment Service (YES) program on Mountain Home AFB. The
YES program is a Job Services program that brings together teenagers who want
work with individuals or businesses with work to be done. This
two-part community services referral program requires the participation of both
teens and the general public to be successful. Both will provide a
service to each other.
Teenagers are the work force, capable and willing
to do an endless array of jobs. Youth ages 14 through 18 years are
eligible for YES. First, interested teens must sign-up through Job
Services by filling out the youth application form. Sign-ups will be
held at the Youth Center, or in Mountain Home at Job Services. Next,
they must be ready when Job Services calls. Teens will not be called
directly by employers. Instead, Job Services will receive employer
requests and contact them with all the information. Youths will then
choose to accept or refuse the job. Finally, it is important that
workers do a good job. The future of the YES program rests with as
many youth participating as possible.
Anyone can be an employer and
support the Youth Employment Service program. Jobs around a home or
office can make a person a potential employer in the YES
program. Hiring a youth to take on chores will keep things running
smoothly around a home or business. This can provide a job to a
teenager while relieving some worries. Individuals need only take a
few moments to list the things to be done; for more information call Job
Services at 587-7911.
Mountain Home Job Services also puts on a program
called Job Search Skills For Teens. It's a 4 hour program to assist
teens in finding a job. It includes: putting it all on an
application, making a good first impression, body language, projecting a
positive image, having a successful interview, what the employer is looking for,
and what you should ask.
The Mountain Home AFB Summer Hire program is
usually active each year. Students age 16 and older who are looking for summer
employment need to complete an Air Force Job Kit. The kits are
available at the civilian personnel office, family support center, the base
library and the visitor's center at the main gate and at the Job Service Office
in Mountain Home. For details call the civilian personnel office at
828-2799.There are two Youth Centers in the local area. Mountain Home
AFB has a large new facility and there is one located downtown, which is manned
by volunteers and supported mainly through donations.The Mountain Home AFB Youth
Center values the opinions of today's youth. The Teen and Preteen
Council meet monthly at the Youth Center. These groups help the Youth
Center Director plan programs in which the council and other members will be
interested.
The Youth Center also sponsors the Smooth Move for Kids
program which is offered quarterly. Information on other bases as
well as what to do to get ready for the move is discussed.
The
Mountain Home School District which includes Mountain Home AFB schools has
developed a program to assist students through school. The Mentor
program is an effort undertaken by volunteers from the schools, concerned
parents, representatives from Family Advocacy and the First Sergeants' Council,
and others in the community to provide positive role models for
youngsters. Each mentor will meet with his/her selected friend once
every 2 weeks for 30 to 45 minutes at school, normally during the lunch
hour.
A Mentor Volunteer is not a replacement for parents or teachers,
nor is a Mentor Volunteer a complete solution to all the problems facing today's
children. Mentor Volunteer is someone who serves as a positive,
drug-free, adult role model in a child's life. Mentors
are adults who are willing to serve as trusted informal advisors or
friends to provide positive experiences which will help children develop a
higher level of self-esteem.
Prospective Mentor Volunteers will be
screened by the Security Police through the National Crime Information Center
(NCIC) and will be interviewed by a member of the Mentor Program staff prior to
selection. Training for Mentor Volunteers is offered throughout the
school year. Mentor Volunteers are placed in the Base Primary (K-2),
Base Intermediate (3-5), and Base Middle Schools (6-8). Persons
interested in becoming a Mentor Volunteer can contact Bob Sisco (587-7120) or
Shelley Ariosto (828-7523) for more information anytime during the school
year.