Reprinted courtesy of the Westerville News & Public Opinion/SNP, ©Copyright 2010
Originally published May 19, 2010
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      Helping unemployed Westerville school district residents find and keep jobs earned the Westerville Area Resource Ministry an Ohio Nonprofit Excellence Award from the Ohio Association of Nonprofit Organizations.

      WARM was chosen from more than 100 entries submitted for the award by nonprofit agencies across the state, and presented with the honor May 11 in an Ohio Statehouse ceremony.

      The OANO award recognizes “creativity, execution, achievement, and overall excellence of a specific project or program completed by an Ohio nonprofit the previous year.”

      WARM was recognized for Steps To Overcome Poverty, or the STOP program, a self-sufficiency program that helps unemployed Westerville City School District residents gain the confidence and skills needed to secure and retain full-time employment.

      Volunteer trainers and mentors work with WARM staff to teach resume writing, interviewing skills, job search planning, financial literacy, and job readiness.

      “Enrollment in our jobs placement program has increased dramatically due to the tough economy and high unemployment rates we’ve been facing,” said WARM Executive Director Scott Marier in a prepared statement.

      Unemployment in Westerville is consistent with that of Franklin County and Central Ohio. But these figures do not speak of the economic impact of unemployment on people’s lives, he said.

       “By increasing the employability of our clients, the STOP program alleviates poverty, improves self-esteem, and promotes all the benefits of being a contributing member of society,” Marier said.  “The whole community benefits as demand on public assistance is reduced and the number of people living in poverty decreases. … Improved levels of family stability and civic responsibility are also visible.”

      WARM funds the STOP program with general operating funds generated by program partners, grants, special events and individual, corporate, civic and church donations.