HELPERS FOR HIRE
Q & A

You may have heard about a program where there is a Registry (List) of folks who can be hired to provide services for others who are unable to perform certain tasks for themselves and are in need of hiring someone to perform these tasks for them. Yes indeed, there is such a program. Since the "Helpers" listed in this Registry, have had their backgrounds checked by law enforcement agencies, those in need of services can now have more confidence that they won't be cheated. Whether you are a potential "Helper" or someone who wants to hire, this pamphlet is provided to answer some questions you may have.

Q Why do we need a Registry of Helpers for Hire?
A According to the Camden County Sheriff's Dept., too many Seniors and homebound citizens were being cheated after hiring someone to perform certain tasks for them. When reported to law enforcement, it was clear that not enough information, especially regarding individual descriptions, was available to find the perpetrators.

Q Does this Registry of Helpers for Hire then guarantee that those who hire will not be cheated?
A No, since no list can provide such a guarantee. It does, however, offer assurances that: (1) those so inclined to cheat others will most likely not enlist in this Registry and (2) if someone is cheated, the perpetrator will be much easier to find.

Q Why would a cheater be easier to find?
A Each candidate helper completes an Application, is fingerprinted and photographed. This information is then sent for a thorough background check by a law enforcement agency. Upon evaluation of the Application and the results of the background check, a determination is then made whether to enlist the helper in this, "Registry of Helpers for Hire".

Q How did this program get started and who is behind this Registry of Helpers for Hire?
A When John Page, Camden County Sheriff's Dept. presented the problem to some folks who are active with some of the Senior Centers and Crime Watch groups, an 8 member committee, (including the Camden County Sheriff), was formed to recommend a course of action. All members of this Committee serve as volunteers and no money is collected nor provided to or by this committee. The Committee is grateful for the services provided, gratis, by the Lake Sun Leader for publishing the Public Notice of this program and to "Advantage Systems" for providing the printed matter in support of this program. Currently, the following organizations endorse this Registry of Helpers for Hire: Camden and Morgan County Sheriffs Depts., Laurie Police Dept., Laurie 5-O, Lake Rd 135-3, and Lake Rd 5-33 Crime Watches, AARP local chapter 1136, Westside and Camdenton Senior Centers, Lake West Side Chamber of Commerce, Central Missouri Area Agency on Aging (CMAAA), Tri-County Salvation, Camden and Morgan County Senior Services, and Missouri Ozarks for Community Action (MOCA).

Q Who really benefits from this Registry of Helpers for Hire?
A Everyone: (1) The Helper who is hired, (2) The ones who are in need of services to be performed, and (3) Taxpayers.

(1) The hired helper benefits since it will increase their employment opportunities, and customer base. Their customers will most likely be repeat customers that will then become their best customers.

(2) Those who hire will have an added measure of reliability in determining whom they hire. Additionally, since the Registry will reflect the services performed by all Helpers, the person in need of such services can now do comparative selecting and choose the most competitive bid.

(3) The taxpayer will know that by helping those who are in need of various services, the one who hires can now stay in their own homes longer and thus continue to be a tax contributor.

Q Are the Helpers who are hired expected to do charity work?
A No. There is no expectation of charity. The terms for services charged are left to the discretion of the Helper. The negotiations between the Helper and the one who hires, are based on mutual consent of both parties

Q What geographical areas are included with the Registry of Helpers for Hire?
A Since this is a new program, the Helpers for Hire Committee had to start somewhere. We decided to "test the waters" by generally recommending those areas from Versailles, to Camdenton. Helpers who enlist in the Registry specify those areas they are willing to serve. For example, one of the Helpers, who lives in the Versailles area has indicated a willingness to work from Stover, to Tipton and California and as far south as the Greenview area.

Q What does it cost a Helper to be listed on this Registry of Helpers for Hire?
A The only cost to the Helper is a minimal fee for a routine background check by a law enforcement agency, (approx. $14). When you consider the cost of being listed in the "Yellow Pages", or running advertisements in the "Help Wanted" section of newspapers, this expense is a real bargain.

Q In what format will this Registry of Helpers for Hire be available and where can I find it?
A The current plans are to print the Registry in a booklet form and provide a web site for Internet access. Computer access will most likely be most popular since key word searches can provide virtually instant answers for such information as locations, and the type of services needed. The booklet will be distributed to various public locations such as churches, Senior Centers, Camden and Morgan County Sheriffs' Depts. Lake West Chamber of Commerce etc.

Q How often will this Registry be updated?
A Since we will be using computers as our tool for maintaining this Registry, we will be updating the web site on an as needed basis. Our current plans are to update and release the Registry semi-annually.

Q As a candidate helper, where can I pick up an Application?
A Applications can be obtained at the following locations, Camden or Morgan County Sheriffs Depts., Camden or Morgan County Court Houses, Laurie City Hall, and the Lake West Chamber of Commerce, located in Sunrise Beach. For more information you can call 346-3592.

Q Since a background check will be processed, should I, as a potential helper, be concerned that personal or confidential information will be disclosed in this Registry?
A No, since the only information that will be disclosed in this Registry will be your name, areas you will cover, the services you provide, your phone number and, only at your request, your address.

Q Will past offenses eliminate a potential helper from being listed on the Registry?
A Not necessarily. The Application Form states: ". (Convictions or arrests may not, necessarily, eliminate you from this Registry of Helpers for Hire.)". The Helpers for Hire Committee recognizes that certain offenses may be irrelevant to the services provided. We also recognize the need to stimulate employment, particularly in the "off season".