Teens Ready For Odd Jobs Rent-A-Kid Program Offers Youths ‘Learn-While-You-Earn’ Experience

Are you bemoaning your summer to-do list of home and garden projects? Need help with lawn care, painting or housecleaning? Consider hiring a teen through “Rent-A-Kid,” Spokane Housing Authority’s summer youth employment program.

In its third year, the Rent-A-Kid program gives children living in SHA-assisted housing a “learn-while-you-earn” experience. They gain valuable job skills and provide a service to the community while earning summer income. Fifty teens, ages 13-17, are expected to participate in the program which runs through September.

Residents or small-business owners interested in using the service may phone in job requests to the SHA. Job requests include lawn-mowing, tutoring, baby-sitting, grocery shopping, heavy lifting and painting. Program facilitators match the job with an interested youth, who makes arrangements to meet the prospective employer and discuss job specifics.

A parent is encouraged to accompany the teenager to meet and screen the employer. The meeting also gives the employer a chance to evaluate the teen prior to hiring.

An hourly wage is agreed upon in advance between the youth, parent and employer. Payment is established by the hour or by the job. As part of the program, teens receive training in promptness, courtesy, dependability and wage negotiation. They learn how to dress appropriately, arrive on time and clean up after the work is finished.

Staff and funding are in place to ensure a successful program and not let anyone - employer or youth - fall through the cracks, says Cindy Algeo, program coordinator. To hire a teen through the Rent-A-Kid program, call 328-2953, ext. 41 or 49.

Unity conference registration

“Early-bird” registration is under way for Community Colleges of Spokane’s annual Unity Conference on Oct. 8.

“Unity in Our Community: Through Education Comes Understanding” will be from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Spokane Community College’s Lair-Student Center, 1810 N. Greene.

The Rev. Robert J. Spitzer, president of Gonzaga University, will give the conference’s keynote address.

“Confronting Hate Crimes,” “Initiative 200 Passed - Now What?” and “Spokane’s Changing Demographics” are among eight workshops that will be offered during two sessions to promote diversity. The conference also includes a Greek dance performance, a diversity awareness program, and an appearance by the Northwest Afrikan American Ballet of Portland. Registration is $15 if received by Aug. 13; or $20 after the deadline. The fee includes lunch and all conference activities. To register, call Denise Osei, 533-3032.

Teacher training at Gonzaga

Gonzaga University will offer an intensive, three-week Teaching English as a Second Language Summer Institute July 6-24 from 8:30 to 4 p.m. on campus.

The program is open to undergraduate and graduate students, teachers working toward master’s degrees and individuals interested in working overseas or changing careers. Participants will learn methods and principles of teaching English as a second language as well as observe, assist and teach ESL students from Spokane Public School District 81.

Upon completion of the course, students will receive seven credits toward an ESL endorsement.

Tuition is $1,470. To register, call Professor Mary Jeannot at 323-6559 by June 30.

Kudos

Saint Joseph Family Center, 1016 N. Superior, has raised more than $18,000 during its Special Gifts Campaign for the Sister Carmel Gregg Fund. Ed and Marlene Torrison were co-chairs of the inaugural fund-raising drive.

Monies will support programs and services of the Center’s Family Life Institute, which provides individual and group counseling, and workshops to strengthen families and couple relationships. Programs include family mediation services, children of divorce support and family reconciliation services.

The nonprofit Center is funded through individuals, corporations, foundations and grants. For more information, call 483-6495.

LINKING SCHOOLS WITH BUSINESS FOCUS OF SEMINAR More than 100 elementary, middle and high school teachers in North Idaho will meet this week during “Teacher Business Exchange” to learn how schools can partner with businesses to ensure students acquire skills necessary for employment in the 21st century. These “SCAN” skills include reasoning, interpersonal, technical, systems and information competencies. Seminar participants visited local businesses last week and will develop a school-specific plan to incorporate SCAN skills into classroom curricula. On Thursday, an Open House will give teachers the opportunity to share their findings with the community. The free event will be from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Coeur d’Alene Inn, 414 W. Appleway. For more information, call (208) 762-4250.