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Employment Programs
CARES' Self-Sufficiency Program Overview
What CARES does -
The CARES Self-Sufficiency Program provides continuing holistic support for people motivated to advance along a career path and to achieve long-term self-sufficiency. Through one-on-one mentoring and personal development coaching, clients learn how to develop the resources and networks to stay on track towards their career goals, even as new challenges arise.
Individuals come to the project with a readiness to work toward a better job or career, and for assistance with other barriers that affect their ability to become self-sufficient for the long term.
CARES SSP stands out -
Unlike most programs, which have arbitrary time limits for the provision of services, the CARES Self-Sufficiency Program remains open to participants as long as services are needed. One key element of the project is flexibility in meeting and working with clients. CARES staff schedule meetings at times and locations most convenient for individuals so they do not have to miss work or other responsibilities, thereby increasing the level of trust and partnership.
To be eligible for services, clients must be employed, live or work in King County, and have income below 200% of the Federal Poverty level.
CARES Partners enable success -
CARES has partnered with community colleges and other community providers, to help improve individuals' long-term prospects by connecting with training programs in high-wage, in-demand careers such as healthcare, construction trades, accounting, and IT. While participants may have experienced job loss, or a decrease in hours, these training programs and the support provided by staff should ultimately provide a more secure career and an increased ability to provide for themselves and their families. Participants appreciate having total ownership of the process and pace of services they receive from CARES – this self-driven, customized approach translates into very successful outcomes for our clients.
If "life" gets in the way CARES can help -
There are a number of challenges related to assisting clients with job retention. These include systemic barriers and disincentives for increased self-sufficiency, "benefit cliffs", increased Working Connections Child Care co-pay, Social Security income limits and program rules and regulations. Please call or write our Financial Support Team at CARES of Washington for further information.
Financial Support Team
c/o CARES of Washington
1833 N. 105th St. STE 201
Seattle WA, 98133
(206) 938-1253
Individuals and their families may not know how changes in their job, career or income level affect their benefits, housing and eligibility for other services. People with lower incomes are not afforded many of the tools and knowledge that people with higher incomes can leverage to increase their financial stability and assets. An example is shielding income from taxes – most low-income programs count all income and resources for eligibility, making it difficult to have savings or funds to weather temporary difficulties like a medical emergency, car repairs, etc. Please see our Financial Programs here for further information on how CARES can assist low income households.
TESTIMONIAL
"(My CARES job coach) was my lighthouse.. I really needed that intensive support and guidance, and without CARES, would not have known of all the welfare benefits I am eligible for. My CARES job coach has not only saved our family money, but shone a clear path forward for us towards self-sufficiency."
Stephanie Lawson, The Advancement Project (TAP) Participant
