Customized training works

Take a Tax Credit for Job Path
By Loni Nannini
SPECIAL TO THE ARIZONA DAILY STAR
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 12.25.2005

It has been a long time coming, but Kayla Chastain has discovered her dream job.
Now the 50-year-old mother of two, who has worked at jobs ranging from computer programmer to administrative assistant, advises others to let Job Path help them chart a direct route to career success.

"I hope that people who are younger might find their dream job before they are 50," said Chastain, who recently received an associate's degree in applied science with a major in histotechnology from Pima Community College. "I would like others to be able to look back and say, 'If it weren't for Job Path, I wouldn't have been doing this job for 30 years.' I wish I were saying that right now since this is the most fun I have ever had."

Chastain's degree is one of numerous education and apprentice programs affiliated with Job Path, an organization that recruits and assists adults with obtaining job training.
The nonprofit was founded eight years ago by the Pima County Interfaith Council in conjunction with the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona to provide innovative job-training services to low-income individuals.

According to Herminia Cubillos, Job Path executive director, Job Path's mission is twofold: to lift families out of poverty while filling the local shortage for qualified, skilled and motivated employees — particularly direct-care workers (home health aides, orderlies, nurse's aides), allied health care (dental hygiene, respiratory technology and other medical technicians) and nursing personnel.

"We are helping to build a middle class. I believe in the program because I lived it," Cubillos said. "I was a child of immigrant parents who went to night school to better themselves and all of us went to college and improved our lives and that is what our students are trying to do,"
Chastain said Job Path provided much more than just an opportunity to receive financial assistance with tuition, fees and books. She emphasized that it provided the support and encouragement she needed to continue her studies when personal financial pressures seemed overwhelming. At one point, Job Path's emergency assistance fund prevented her electricity from being disconnected.
Participants can also receive assistance with child care, transportation and counseling when necessary.

"I felt very encouraged and had options with them," said Chastain, whose daughter, Christina Klemm, worked two jobs to keep the household afloat while her mother attended school. "I wasn't panicked when a crisis came up. I always felt like I had a cushion since they were there."
For Job Path, a key to success is the creation of a customized training strategy for each participant, according to Barbara Selwyn, a senior counselor with Job Path.
Selwyn helps participants implement plans to secure jobs that offer at least $8 per hour, benefits and career advancement. She offers personal and career counseling to ensure students complete their studies, as well as post-placement support.

"I think there are lot of people in this city who work minimum-wage, dead-end jobs," Selwyn said. "They can't go to school since they have to work and support a family; married couples sometimes work three jobs between two people. We can help them get through hurdles and sustain them as students, and the sooner they get out of school, the higher-paying job they will have. But they need to have a plan to do that."

Another key component of Job Path is accountability. Participants are asked to pay back the organization's investment in their education with cash or community service; $2,000 of assistance from Job Path can be repaid over two years, either dollar-for-dollar or in 200 hours of community service. At the end of fiscal year 2004-2005, more than 33,000 hours of community service had been performed by Job Path participants.

"I always say it is like the (2000) movie 'Pay It Forward.' We are giving to you, so you give back, and when you give back, you promote the community which gave to you: It is round robin," Selwyn said.

Job Path is one of numerous local nonprofit organizations that qualify for the Arizona Tax Credit for Contributions to Charities that Provide Assistance for the Working Poor. Consult with your tax professional to determine if you qualify for up to $300 in tax credit on your Arizona income tax (ask for Form 321). For more information about Job Path, visit the Web site at www.jobpath.net/ or call 324-0402 Donations can be sent to: 655 N. Alvernon Way, No. 205; Tucson, AZ 85711
Other charitable tax tips:

Donations or extracurricular fees paid to public and charter schools may qualify for up to $300 in tax credit on Arizona income tax; you need not have a student in the district to qualify. Ask your tax adviser about the School Tax Credit (Form 322).

For an even bigger bang for your buck, consider the Credit for Private School Tuition Organizations. Donations to the Catholic Tuition Support Organization of the Diocese of Tucson, Cheder Scholarship Organization, Alternative Schools Scholarship Fund and other tuition organizations may qualify for up to $825 in state tax credit (Form 323) while qualifying as itemized charitable contributions on your federal income tax as well. Donations must be postmarked by Dec. 31; consult with your tax adviser for details.

Visit the Arizona Department of Revenue Web site at www.revenue.state.az.us for more information.