Thanksgiving provides the perfect opportunity for acknowledging all that we have and what we can share. Our business community has a long history of being generous in the community. Businesses have given to local nonprofits and they have encouraged employees to participate in food collections and fundraisers. The holidays continue to offer many opportunities for us to share with those in need, especially families and children.
Venango County is blessed with many non-profit organizations who shepherd this giving, to make certain that the needs of our community are met. So often, we think of food scarcity as the most pressing need. This past year, we understand that between donations and public assistance, there have been food supplies sufficient for those who are in need. But the challenges of the community do not end there.
Speaking with Marie Plumer, the Human Services Administrator for Venango County, we’ve learned that so many in the community are short on other resources. Transportation and housing continue to be challenges, and ones that are expensive and slow to rectify.
Like the rest of the nation, Venango County businesses report that finding and retaining a strong employee base is difficult. So, how does a region attract a good workforce? It is critical that those who we rely on as employees have their basic needs met.
Once an individual has the safety of a home and the reliability of transportation, dependability of childcare and food stability, they are better prepared to show up for work and be a productive member of a team. Unfortunately, there are many employees who will be reluctant to share what their needs are, especially with coworkers and employers. Others will never brave the process of employment because of these challenges. Employers and community leaders are critical to solving these problems, listening for where the needs exist and collaborating to find resources for those we want to be successful in the workforce.
During this time of showing gratitude and helping others, a willingness to consider challenges that may be foreign to us may be the greatest gift of all.
Marie shares that there are ways each of us, individually or corporately, can make a difference, starting with acknowledging the various needs of others. For those who are able to give financially, there are several local agencies who can direct monies. The United Way of Venango County can distribute money directly to a family or through an appropriate partner agency.
If you are an employer, consider how you can encourage current or prospective employees to share their challenges with you and be willing to assist them in exploring solutions. The County’s Human Services team can be helpful in matching services to needs and in providing volunteer and giving opportunities to those wishing to make a difference.
To reach the Venango County Human Services Department, contact Marie Plumer at (814)432-9163 or mplumer@co.venango.pa.us. To contribute to the United Way, contact Will Price at (814) 676-6545 or willjprice@unitedwayofvenangocounty.org.
Pictured on the cover: Michelle DeWoody, Jennifer Kennedy, Brian Gotses, Shannon Mahoney, and Amie Wood-Wessell (all of Venango County Human Services)
This article was published in the Venango Chamber’s November 2021 VenangoWorks! Newsletter.