Several Carbon County agencies are preparing for the 12th annual Human Services Priority Breakfast.

This year’s event is April 21 at Whispering Pines, Penn Forest Fire Company No. 1, 1387 State Route 903, Jim Thorpe. Doors open at 8:30 a.m.; breakfast begins at 9 a.m. and presentations begin at 9:30 a.m.

Commissioners’ Chairman Wayne Nothstein, who is part of the planning committee for the breakfast, said this year’s theme is “Live here, work here. Keep Carbon County strong.”

“It’s really to focus on retaining employees, hiring the right people and the difficulties we have in hiring and filling positions,” he said, noting that this is affecting both public and private sector organizations.

Nothstein pointed out that in Carbon County’s Children and Youth, the department is short-staffed by approximately 12 people.

In Lackawanna County, Nothstein said using the county as another example, its 911 dispatchers are working overtime because the department has 15 open positions.

There will be four guest speakers for the event, speaking about various industries, issues these companies are facing and retaining and filling jobs.

To attend the event, agencies can RSVP to Cindy Lynd, Eastcentral PA AHEC, 5662 Interchange Road, Lehighton, 18235; or email clynd@ecpennahec.org.

Agencies should include the names of those attending from the office, as well as $15 for each meal. Checks can be made payable to Interagency Council of Carbon County and mailed by April 7.

Sponsorship opportunities are also available.

Donations help offset the cost of the meals, as well as create a fund for future awards.

To become a donor, make checks payable to the agency and mail to the aforementioned address or visit http://bit.ly/3IqbDN3. Deadline for becoming a sponsor is March 31.

The annual breakfast, hosted by the Carbon County Interagency Collaborative, has been held for more than a decade and covered many topics surrounding the county and various agencies.