Mercer County Job and Family Services Highlights Child Care, PRC, SNAP, Medicaid and Employment Programs

Mercer County Job and Family Services offers a wide range of programs aimed at helping families, children, older adults and workers who may be facing financial or employment-related challenges.

Angela Nickell, Director of Childcare services with Mercer County Job and Family Services, recently joined WCSM’s Spectrum program to discuss several services available through the agency. Nickell said Job and Family Services includes three main areas: fiscal operations, social services and income maintenance.

The social services side includes child abuse and neglect investigations, adult protective services, foster care, adoption and kinship services. Nickell also highlighted a newer family support unit designed to work with families before problems escalate, with the goal of helping prevent removals and keeping families together when possible.

A major focus of the interview was child care assistance. Nickell said child care is one of the biggest barriers to full-time employment in Mercer County, second only to transportation. Some families may receive child care help through state assistance, while others may be helped through the county’s Prevention, Retention and Contingency program, also known as PRC.

Through PRC, eligible families may receive short-term support to help with child care costs, fuel expenses, vehicle repairs, job readiness needs, shelter expenses, rental deposits, utility shutoff situations and other emergency needs. Nickell said the program is designed to help families get through difficult situations before they become larger crises.

PRC can also help with employment retention. Nickell said eligible workers who maintain a new job may qualify for tax-free support after 30 days, two months, three months and beyond, with the goal of helping people get established and move toward long-term stability.

Nickell also discussed SNAP, formerly known as food stamps. SNAP stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and helps families purchase groceries. Nickell said many working families may qualify for food assistance and not realize it, adding that the program helps bring dollars back into the local economy while supporting family nutrition.

Medicaid was another major topic. Nickell said Medicaid can help cover health care needs for children, families, older adults, people with disabilities, those who are expecting a child and people who may be between jobs. She encouraged residents to apply and find out what help may be available, noting that Medicaid includes several different types of coverage depending on a person’s situation.

Nickell also stressed the importance of reporting income or family changes to Job and Family Services as soon as possible. Changes in income, employment or household status may affect benefits, and failing to report changes could lead to a payback situation.

The agency also provides employment-related services for adults and young people. Nickell said programs can assist with job searches, skill development, training and supportive services for those trying to enter or remain in the workforce. She said employment is about more than a paycheck, calling it a source of social connection, confidence and community involvement.

Nickell said one misconception about Job and Family Services is that denial of a benefit is personal. She said programs have many federal, state and local rules, and eligibility often depends on income, documentation and application deadlines. However, she encouraged residents not to assume they will not qualify.

Nickell said the agency’s staff works to find ways to help people qualify when possible and encouraged Mercer County residents to reach out, ask questions and apply if they are facing a need.