Agency seeks to connect youth with community
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MIFFLINTOWN -- Local youth will be working with homeowners this month on various home repair and maintenance projects, according to Wendy Kerstetter of the Christian Retreat Center.
The Center, Kerstetter told Juniata County Commissioners Tuesday during the board's meeting, is working to help meet the needs of the community while giving teens valuable life experience.
Kerstetter told commissioners the Center is seeking both youth and homeowners to participate in the program.
"It's not only a way to meet practical needs, but also a chance for teens to develop a heart for service and build meaningful connections with the community," said Kerstetter.
Located at 369 CRC Drive, East Waterford, the Christian Retreat Center is best known for its youth summer camps and year-round retreats. Kerstetters said programs have expanded and they now offer lodge accommodations, RV and tent camping with full hookups, and various recreational opportunities like fishing, hiking and canoeing.
"Most importantly, CRC is a place where relationships are built and strengthened," said Kerstetter.
As part of the program, in June youth groups are housed and fed at the Center. They can partake in camp activities in the evenings, but during the day they are out in the community tackling various jobs.
This program is not only for the youth but helps the homeowners in the area as well, some may be physically unable to do some of the work or just cant tackle it financially.
This week they have groups working in areas of Honey Grove, Licking Creek, Thompsontown, Mifflintown and Cross Keys, she said.
Commissioners took action on the following agenda items..
Approved a three-year contract covering fiscal years 2024, 2025 and 2026 with Maximus Consulting Services, Inc. to prepare Juniata County's annual indirect cost allocation plans. The annual preparation fee is $5,100 for a total contracted cost of $15,300. The agreement shall commence on Aug. 1, 2025 and remain in effect until July 31, 2028;
Approved tax exonerations for Monroe Township;
Approved payment of the Juniata County Hazardous Material check to S & B Automotive Detailing for $250;
Hired Nikolas Aumiller to fill the vacant caseworker position, effective June 30. Aumiller replaces Ashley Campbell, who resigned Oct. 31, 2024. Aumiller's starting wages will be $20.18 per hour;
Hired Angelica Ybarra to fill the vacant caseworker position, effective June 30. Ybarra will be replacing Kelsey Drolsbaugh, who was promoted to caseworker supervisor on June 3. Ybarra's starting wages will be $20.18 per hour.