MENTORING PROGRAM TO CONTINUE TAX CREDITS

The Missouri Mentoring Partnership's tax credits for employers who participate in the Youth Opportunities Program have been renewed for two years.

The Cape Girardeau-based partnership recently received notification of the renewal from the Missouri Department of Economic Development. The renewal is for $228,750 for the period, but the Missouri Mentoring Partnership can apply for more if necessary. In the 2000 tax year, the group turned in $123,502 in tax credits.

Marge Sullivan, director of the partnership, said it is a very easy, hassle-free process for YOP employers to hire young people and claim income tax credits for 50 percent of each youth's wages, up to $10,000 a year.

"We do all the paperwork," she said. "All they have to do is supply us with the hours worked."

Employers interested in getting involved in the program may call Sullivan at 332-0066, ext. 12, or stop by the partnership's new offices at 301 N. Clark, Room 217.

The group received its first YOP tax credits for 1998-2000.

"We see it as our way of saying thank you to employers for opening the door of opportunity for our kids," Sullivan said.