Aid recipients could be required to do community service

PERU, Ind. (AP) – Residents in a north-central Indiana county who receive financial aid from nonprofit and service agencies will soon be asked to give something back to the community.

A new program administered by the Miami County Resource Network allows agencies that provide financial assistance to require recipients to perform community service in return.

That work can include cleaning up city parks, planting trees, doing small repair jobs at playgrounds or helping at the agency.

Resource network leader Debi Wallick tells the Kokomo Tribune that clients who don’t complete the community service hours won’t be eligible for additional assistance until the hours are fulfilled.

Wallick says the requirement is designed to promote accountability and self-worth.