CAMBRIDGE, Ohio — The Cambridge-Guernsey County Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) recently made a donation to support the Guernsey County Community Development Corporation (CDC) and its launch of a second/third shift transportation program. The program, dubbed Connects Work Mobility, will consist of a second/third shift transportation option that will support Guernsey County residents who lack access to reliable transportation.
This new program was made possible through collaboration between the CIC and CDC and came about from a meeting between the CIC and a local employer. Bill Arnett, the Executive Director of the CIC, learned that the employer was having difficulty staffing second and third shift positions because individuals lacked transportation and there is currently no public transportation after 6 pm.
After that meeting, Bill reached out to Ron Gombeda, Executive Director of the CDC, to gauge his interest in creating a new transportation option. The CDC currently operates a transportation program that provides transportation for employment and medical appointments. “I knew the CDC was already providing transportation locally, and the organization is always ready to step up and fill a need where one exists,” said Arnett.
From the CDC’s perspective it just made sense to work with Bill and the CIC to make this project happen. “All I want is for people to succeed in life,” said Gombeda, “If that means creating this program from scratch, we will absolutely do it.” Not only does this program help people get to and from their work, but it also helps area employers staff hard to fill job openings.
“This is the perfect example of a “win/win” situation,” said Gombeda, “We help people get to work and we help area businesses thrive. From the CIC’s perspective, Arnett said, “This program helps existing employers meet their staffing needs, which gives them more confidence to invest and grow knowing they can fill open positions.”
Connects Work Mobility is set to launch in May. Individuals interested in learn more can contact the CDC by calling 740-439-0020 or emailing gccdc@guernseycountycdc.com.