NORWICH – A new Social Services activity that offers welfare recipients the opportunity to volunteer for clean up projects was welcomed by Chenango County government officials this week.

At a presentation Monday before the full board of supervisors, Employment Unit Director Misty Davis said six volunteers had been cleaning sites in New Berlin, Norwich, McDonough and Preston, as well as growing a vegetable garden for use by various agencies that serve the poor. The new program could be extended through the fall and winter, she said.

“We have a very difficult population of clients right now,” Davis said, explaining that there were more from generational poverty, more who have been on public assistance for a long period of time and more who have high medical limitations. This activity is designed to make individuals job ready by teaching them cooperation skills and how to work with others, she said.

Town of Norwich Supervisor David C. Law said the county department is meeting the town’s need for clean-up support. “The work they completed for us was professional, and I commend DSS for the excellent program,” he said. “Plus it makes them (the volunteers) feel that they are doing something to receive some of their benefits.”