LaneyWorks puts students to work

A wonderful opportunity for becoming employed and self-sufficient is available through the California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKS) program at Laney College (LC), also known as LaneyWorks.

Students who are receiving benefits from CalWORKS or Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF) are eligible for many supportive services which empower them to enter the workforce with the skills and work ethic that are necessary for success in today's workplace.

The ultimate goal of CalWORKS is to assist parents or guardians to obtain immediate employment. Quite often however, education and the necessary skills for gainful employment are lacking among recipients of CalWORKS, so LaneyWorks is a major support in helping them find jobs in which they can support their families.

Palischer Ratliff, staff assistant at LC CalWORKS says, "Even though my job is to meet and greet students and be the point person in the office, my main satisfaction comes from nurturing students. Many who come in the office have been referred from others on campus programs. Some students are dealing with homelessness, domestic abuse and hunger. Others have learning or physical disabilities and childcare issues. We are able to point them to the resources on campus to help them succeed while in the program."

Outreach for CalWORKS is not only by referral of the Alameda County Social Services Department. The campus LaneyWorks staff proactively recruits students to the program by way of flyers and by giving presentations in other departments such as Cosmetology. Some students are walk-ins, or have heard by word-of-mouth of the CalWORKS program. Many students do not know that they qualify for the program, so the Financial Aid department and Extended Opportunity Program and Services (EOPS) frequently refer students to the CalWORKS department for assistance.

CalWORKS is not to be confused with (EOPS) and Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education (CARE) which are designed to assist students achieve their educational goals through academic retention and transfer. CARE is a state-funded supplemental support service program for students who are single heads of household with children age 14 and under and who have an active CalWORKS case number. CARE students receive supplemental counseling and advising services, additional study time, childcare services, textbooks, supplies, and meals.

CARE services provided include workshops, activities and classes to enhance personal development, parenting and study skills, group support, peer networking and referrals to campus and community-based resources. Eligibility requirements for each program are different as well. CalWORKS students must be parents or guardians, and they and their children must be receiving cash aid. They must also have an approved County Welfare to Work Plan, fulfill work participation requirements, and can take both credit and non-credit classes.

Students have been availing themselves of LaneyWorks since 1988, and have taken advantage of the various support services that are offered. To date, LaneyWorks has assisted hundreds of students through completion of the program with about 300-500 enrolling yearly.

Among the free services that assist students with their educational efforts are child care, referral assistance for financial aid, (grants, loans & fee waivers), assistance with books & supplies, academic, career and personal counseling, transportation, work or training related expenses and work readiness skills.

There are several approved career-oriented certified programs that are available for LaneyWorks students. Various Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees are available in areas such as Cosmetology, Culinary Arts, Construction Management and Graphic Arts.

Eligibility in Laney CalWORKS is determined at the beginning of each semester in accord with Federal, State and County guidelines. TANF recipients who are not successful in Job Search receive an assessment and then are referred to CalWORKS. Welfare to Work (WTW) plan is developed with takes into consideration the participant's abilities, interests, work history, education, achievements and interests. After agreement on a realistic employment plan, contract is signed by the Vocational Counselor and the participant. Upon completion of the contract, the eligible participant is then referred to Laney CalWORKS to begin work on their individual plan. Each student is tracked for on-going eligibility status, academic progress, program expenses and data reporting.

According to the Alameda County Social Services Agency, "The program is designed to provide opportunity, choice and support to TANF recipients in their efforts to obtain permanent and unsubsidized employment". After completion of a course of study, job placement services, and assistance with job retention are given to Laney CalWORKS students. The staff at Laney is dedicated to helping CalWORKS students develop their potential and meet their educational goals. Preparing students for the workforce and assisting with post employment services ensures successful employment retention and self-sufficiency.

"I often meet my students for the first time and they are crying because they don't think they can make it and they don't know what to do. Later when they finish the program they are crying because they are so happy."

"I love my job. I find it gratifying to be supportive to help a person go from welfare to being a productive person," says Ratliff. CalWORKS success stories of students who are working or who have transferred to a four year university are published periodically in the department's Success booklet.

Appointments with a LaneyWorks specialist can be made by calling (510) 986-6920, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The office is located in the Student Center, 3rd Floor, room 327.