Dear editor:
We would like to personally thank the members of The Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce for recently visiting Ouachita Job Corps Center. Their support and the ongoing support of the community is deeply appreciated.
Ouachita Job Corps has been an integral part of Garland County since 1965. In fact, you can take great pride in the knowledge that, this center, your neighbor, is the second-oldest Job Corps Center in the United States.
Over the years, the center has worked in partnership with the majority of communities in Garland County and the county government to complete needed construction and beautification projects. In the 1970s, we built roads and needed infrastructure for the local forest and surrounding community. That tradition continues today. We proudly serve as a value added asset for local governments equaling cost savings in the thousands of dollars.
The center has also participated in helping numerous community service projects that have saved nonprofit organizations time and increased their service capacity to the local and state community.
The center currently employs 45 U.S. Forest Service employees and 10 full-time contract employees. The majority of these individuals reside within 50 miles of the center. The center's budget is $4.8 million, of which over $2 million is local employee salaries. The other $2.8 million is spent mostly in the local area on material and services need to operate the center.
We are very proud to continue this legacy of selfless service to the community. Ouachita Job Corps Center is a "call when needed asset." Whether it is community service, public works or emergency relief, we stand by our neighbors and community and are ready to assist.
Once again, we thank the Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce for recognizing us as a valued member of the community.
Robert G. Fausti
Center director
Forest Service
Ouachita Job Corps
Editorial on 10/04/2015