MOUNT VERNON – Ohio Deptartment of Job and Family Services interim Director Matt Damschroder visited Knox County last Friday, where he stopped at the Children's Resource Center in Mount Vernon to plant a tree in honor of Arbor Day. 

The tree was also planted in honor of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month. Damschroder was joined by Ohio JFS Directors' Association Deputy Director Laura Abu-Absi, Public Children Services Association of Ohio Director Angela Sausser and State Rep. Rick Carfagna, a Knox County Job and Family Services press release said.

"Knox County JFS is honored to have Director Damschroder and these other distinguished attendees coming to Mount Vernon to highlight our agency's collaboration with The Village Network and the ongoing need for protective services for children," said Knox County JFS Human Resources Administrator Courtney Lower. 

The Children's Resource Center is expected to open with a new expansion in early June. 

Damschroder also visited OhioMeansJobs of Knox County and the Interchurch Social Services food pantry.

About the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services manages vital programs that strengthen Ohio families. These include job training and employment services, unemployment insurance, cash- and food assistance, child care, child- and adult protective services, adoption, and child support services.