AG 1994 10 03 - Laserfiche WebLink

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e) f) brought into the program. Fifteen (15) of these men or 50% are now employed and are paying child support. This is a very significant percentage, considering this population has numerous barriers to employment, as well as the fact that without this program they would in all likelihood not be working at all or contributing financially to their children. Jobs for Dads demonstrates how to effectively address a serious social need. Media coverage and other recognitions are important in spreading the word. Jobs for Dads has had great success with this. There have been numerous articles in four (4) area newspapers which serve Cabarrus County and surrounding counties. Some of these articles are attached. A regional government newspaper, Spotlight on Centralina, which is distributed in eight North Carolina counties had articles about the program. In addition, there has been on-site television coverage by a local news team, where the staff, absent fathers, and employers were interviewed. Finally, the success of this program has brought awards to Cabarrus County from two (2) statewide organizations. An Outstanding County Program Award through North Carolina Association of County Commissioners was presented at their annual conference on August 14, 1993, and a Governor's Award for Excellence was presented at the North Carolina Employment, Education, and Training Conference on October 21, 1993. The County's Commitment to the Program: Cabarrus County has a continuing commitment to Jobs for Dads. The Department of Social Services will continue to designate staff to provide this most worthwhile effort, relieving them of other responsibilities to allow them to serve this population. The elected officials~ the Board of County Commissioners, are supportive of the principles of this program, as is the local Board of Social Services. The program does not require direct county funding. The county provides space, telephone and other administrative support. Why we are Worthy of an Award: Jobs for Dads should be be considered for a National Association of Counties Award because it represents a very significant step into an uncharted area of welfare reform. In a manner of speech, someone went "out on a limb" to give a new and innovative idea a chance, and it paid off. The significance of this program is that it responds to a pressing social problem within our society, it works, and it can be replicated anywhere in the United States. There are JOBS programs everywhere, and funding sources that can be utilized. Jobs for Dads is open to assist and provide information to anyone interested, and has already done so on several occasions.