David Colmar

THE TEEN Employment Clearing House, or T.E.C.H. as it is commonly referred to by the citizens of the Homewood-Flossmoor community, has been growing in leaps and bounds. The idea of an employment referral service for Teenagers was first conceived in the Spring of 1971 at a meeting between the Park District and Homewood Village officials.

With mixed emotions, a positive attitude, and much work to do, we began to answer the many questions connected with the formation of a referral service. Questions regarding legalities, budget, insurance, administration, and others seemed numerous. It was decided, however, that such a program would indeed be beneficial to All constituents of our community and with the help of other local agencies as well as the high school—plans were made. Concerned and interested agencies met to discuss problems and plans for a teen referral service with the end cooperative effort -resulting in the Teen Employment Clearing House, a successful operation now for nine months.

T.E.C.H. is a Park District sponsored program with an annual budget of over $3,000.00. The initial operating capital was provided by contributions from the Village of Homewood, $2,000.00 and the Matteson-Richton Bank (a local institution), $1,000.00. The Park District provides office space, utilities, and necessary staff to assist in the day-to-day operations. A policy-making board is the controlling agent for T.E.C.H. The Board consists of two adults appointed by the Village of Homewood and two from the Park District. These four appoint a fifth member at large and all five serve two-year terms. It is anticipated that the Village of Flossmoor will, in the future, appoint two members therefore expanding the Board to seven. The Board has hired a part-time administrator to handle all day-to-day operations of T.E.C.H.

In May of 1972, T.E.C.H. began its services to the Homewood-Flossmoor community and neighboring area. Teenagers from 14 to 18 years of age were encouraged to register with T.E.C.H. for a $2.00 fee. An application and social security number were required, a photo was requested, and T.E.C.H. made the guarantee that some

(EDITOR'S NOTE: David Colmar is Superintendent of Recreation for the Homewood-Flossmoor Park District.)

These teens were hired to do a magic show for a birthday party.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 8 March/April, 1973

form of paying work would be referred to the teenager within 6 months or the registration fee would be refunded. (One refund was made from May to November). The initial registration brought in over two hundred teens seeking employment. All registrants were interviewed and screened by the Administrator. In the meantime, local businesses were solicited for cooperation as well as were all citizens. The Homewood Chamber of Commerce gave both financial and moral support and soon the telephones were busy with requests for babysitters, lawn and maintenance workers, seasonal employment, part - time positions, and many others. As soon as a job became available, it was referred to a teen, whose responsibility it was to schedule an interview. Arrangements for employment were between employer and worker and if either was dissatisfied, T.E.C.H. would be contacted for a new referral. If work was obtained, the employer was asked to complete an evaluation on the individual so that future referrals could be adequately made.

TECH found part-time drafting work for this student.

There are approximately 4,000 teenagers in the Homewood-Flossmoor community between the ages of 14-18 years who are eligible to register for T.E.C.H. In the first four months of operation between May 15th and September 12th, 554 teenagers had been referred for employment. Of this total, 94 were placed in full-time summer positions, and 127 part-time work, and were placed in "spot" jobs. At this writing, there are more positions open than are available workers.

T.E.C.H. was originally organized with the intent that a six-month trial basis of operation would provide a clearer picture as to the potential of such an agency. With the end of the probationary period coming to a close, statistical facts have caused us to consider the program on a year around basis. The success of the Clearing House is evidenced by the employers in our community as well. Many employers who originally sought out one or two teens have recontacted T.E.C.H. to seek additional employees. The Clearing House has also served as a means for bringing together many community and municipal agencies and organizations in a joint cooperative effort providing benefits to all.

Plans have been made to expand the services as well as the community support of T.E.C.H. for the next year. The Teen Employment Clearing House has surpassed any preliminary expectations and although still relatively new, has become a viable and important function to entire community of Homewood and Flossmoor.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 9 March/April, 1973