AG 2006 10 30 - Laserfiche WebLink

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rate in Cabarrus County, we are preparing a request for state funds. This will be used to provide services to focus the clients on the importance of securing and retaining employment. We plan to partner with Rowan-Cabarrus Community College to have all Work First recipients who are required to participate attend their Career Readiness program at their Business and Technology Center. We are requesting that RCCC emphasize the segt11ent on personal characteristics of an employee in this program. This would help us in dealing with an ongoing problem of clients' job absenteeism due to day care problems, transportation problems, and other personal problems. It would include the importance of having back-up plans so that someone does not take advantage of their employer. In addition, we hope to request state funds to assist with child care payments on a daily basis, as well as assist them with parent fees that they are required to pay to child care centers. Many, who have low paying initial jobs, are at first unable to even pay this added expense. In addition, employment social work staff will take a more outcomes based approach to dealing with the clients. They will accompany them to interviews when needed, assist them on the job site with applications, and advocate to employers on their behalf. We will work diligently with those who are disabled to assist them through this process, because once they are approved for disability, they will be on Social Security or SSI, and will no longer be in the Work First grant, and will not count against us in the participation rate. All of these approaches will be necessary to reach our intended goal of meeting and exceeding the required participation rate monthly and helping to assure that NC meets the participation rate. If participation rates are met, this state funding can be extended for up to three years. This request for funds from the Division of Social Services is due on 10-6-06, and they have indicated they will let us know by 10-13-06 of approval. If that is the case, and we are approved, we should be up and operational by the time ofthe BOC meeting. We will put our completed plan out for public comment during the week of October 9-13. It will be placed at the DSS office, the County Manager's office, and all branches of the Cabarrus County Public Library. The public will be notified in the Independent Tribune and the public access cable TV station. Our Work First Block Grant Plan for FY 07-09 is due in Raleigh on October 31, 2006. If approved by the Board we will send a copy on line, and follow-up with signed copies. We wish to thank you and the Board for the continued support of our Work First Employment Program. We are hopefulthat this intensive approach to dealing with the problems of participation will have a positive impact on all families involved in the Work First Program. Thank you Enclosures Work First Block Grant Plan for FY 07-09 MOA between DSS and ESC for First Stop Work Registration Amendment to FY 05-07 Work First Block Grant Plan \=-\'\