Preble County Job and Family Services welcomed a new leader earlier this fall.
Having worked for Jobs and Family Services for the past 20 years, Becky Sorrell was named director. She replaces Sharon Shute, who retired in August of this year after serving the past 13 years as director.
Sorrell began her employment with Job and Family Services in 1989. Since that time, she has worked in a number of different areas within the agency, including the Subsidized Child Care program, Healthchek Services, Emergency Assistance Services, Children Services Case Management, Independent Living program for youth aging out of foster care, and the Workforce Investment Act Youth program.
"Most recently, I was the supervisor for the Work Activity programs, the Workforce Investment Act programs and the Subsidized Child Care program," Sorrell said.
She's ready to face some tough challenges.
"I am both excited by the opportunity to serve and concerned by the challenges facing the Job and Family Services Agency as I begin my new position as director. With an 11.1 percent unemployment rate facing Preble County, we have found an increase in visitors to the Job Center by job seekers, a number of whom are leaving behind the careers that had sustained them and they expected to continue to sustain them through retirement. They are now seeking new career opportunities through education and training," Sorrell said.
"Caseworkers are listening to stories from families who have never had to ask for any type of assistance before in their lives. These families just want to find work and support their families again. Currently, 4,623 Preble County residents are receiving food assistance. Families receiving child support are even more in need of support establishments and collections, while collecting is becoming more difficult as the obligor is oftentimes also out of work.
She said the economy has impacted the public, so has it impacted the agency.
"There has been a 22 percent decrease in funds to serve Preble County's most vulnerable population, while there has been a 34 percent increase in individuals receiving OWF cash assistance since 2007," Sorrell said.
"In these difficult financial times, I look forward to working with the commission, the staff of Preble County Job and Family Services, and the citizens of the county to maintain a high level of service to the public while remaining within the budgetary guidelines. I am both humbled and excited about the confidence the commissioners have given me when appointing me as director."
Shute, director of Preble County Job and Family Services, announced her retirement effective earlier this year. A lifetime resident of Preble County, she informed Preble County Commissioners of her intent to retire in mid-July. A graduate of Twin Valley South High School, Shute began her public service with Preble County in 1978 as clerk to the Board of Commissioners and purchasing agent for the county.
In 1984, she was appointed Preble County Administrator, a position she held for 11 years. In 1996, she was appointed director of Job and Family Services, responsible for the administration of public assistance, children services, child support and workforce investment.
She and her husband, Jim, reside in Preble County. They have two children and six grandchildren.
Her passion for the people of Preble County will be greatly missed. The employees of JFS wish her every success in the next chapter of her life.
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