One state funded program faces issues in the area

ZANESVILLE, Ohio- A new program is facing difficulties in the Muskingum County area.

The Comprehensive Case Management and Employment Program (CCMEP) was set up to help break the cycle of poverty in Ohio.

Troy McCollister, Director of Muskingum County Job & Family Services, said the program is social work driven with much more comprehensive work with individuals.

“[It’s] centered to wrap around services folks with very severe barriers in their lives,” said McCollister.

McCollister said they are having problems getting enrollment into the program and the problem spans state wide. The lack of enrollment has become an issue for the program.

“That, in turn, means that some of our contracted providers aren’t getting the services that they need to help off-set some of their costs,” said McCollister.

The providers assist the program with problems such as drug issues, obtaining a drivers license or finding housing.

“We’re having problems getting enrollment into CCMEP to try to find kids in that 16-24 year old age range that has barriers,” said McCollister. “Sometimes that can be a really difficult population to find.”

The program is at no cost to those who enroll.

“If you know any kids in that 16-24 year-old population that has dropped out of school, is out of school and is not yet enrolled in secondary school we can get them qualified for our program and we can do a lot of good things to help families that have barriers and kids that have needs,” said McCollister.

To find out how to enroll or for more information contact Job and Family Services at (740) 454-0161 or http://muskingumcountyjfs.com/site/.