Community Action, Inc. Visits Punxsutawney Area High School

Community Action, Inc. recently visited Punxsutawney Area High School to speak with Career Education students about real world career opportunities in human services and skilled trades.

Representatives shared information about the Crossroads Domestic Violence Program, highlighting services such as emergency shelter, advocacy, and counseling, along with related career paths. Students also learned about the Weatherization Program, which helps households reduce energy costs while offering hands on, technical career opportunities.

The Weatherization team engaged students with interactive demonstrations, including the use of an infrared camera and insulation displays, giving students a behind the scenes look at energy efficiency careers. Sharing information on the common tools and diagnostic equipment used by Weatherization staff helped students visualize the science behind energy efficiency and how the increased use of technology requires technical skills in weatherization and energy efficiency work.

Community Action, Inc. looks forward to returning throughout the school year to continue connecting students with meaningful career pathways in our community.

Crossroads Director, Suella Himes, discusses the various services offered to survivors of domestic violence in Jefferson and Clearfield counties, while explaining the skills needed and career, volunteer, and internship opportunities available at Crossroads. Ms. Himes also introduced students to the wide range of programs offered by Community Action, Inc. to promote safety, stability, and self sufficiency.

Diana McKillop, Quality Control Inspector for Community Action, Inc.’s Weatherization Program, demonstrates an air tracer/smoke tester used by Weatherization staff to find air leaks and to determine if furnaces and hot water tanks are drafting correctly. Tina Kephart, Weatherization Director, looks on.

Tina Kephart, Weatherization Director, handles an insulation box while Diana McKillop, Quality Control Inspector, explains various insulation factors while demonstrating how infrared cameras display heat variations in rooms and are used to help determine where better insulation will reduce heat and energy loss.