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Hello Partners:
Providing economic relief to families to assist them with meeting their basic needs is paramount to the work of social services. This is highlighted in the success of our subsidized employment program called "The Opportunity Project." So far, we have placed 428 residents in subsidized jobs with 93 different employers. This is a tremendous accomplishment! The feedback we have received from employers, employees, and advocates of subsidized job programs around the country is very positive and it proves that the program is working. Employers are able to hire and maintain their businesses and employees are able to increase their skill set and become more employable.
At the Wednesday, September 8th Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) meeting, County Manager, Harry Jones, will provide a report on The Opportunity Project. I encourage you to attend and hear about the wonderful work that is going on in our community. DSS along with Arbor Education and Training, Center For Community Transition, Goodwill Industries, Jacobs Ladder and Urban League have worked extremely hard and want to share in the success of this program with you and the community.
Subsidized employment efforts are being reviewed across the nation for their impact and positive outcomes for assisting low income individuals with their employment needs. Mecklenburg County recently received recognition in a national publication produced by the Center for Budget and Public Priorities. Attached you will find their publication and the mention of our program under the Fund Encourages Public-Private Collaboration section. Furthermore, we have attached three articles and one opinion column about North Carolina's subsidized employment programs and others across the nation along with three testimonies from participants.
Mecklenburg County has diligently pursued funds for this program and we are requesting consideration from the State legislature to allow us to fully utilize the funds through the end of December 31, 2010 or until exhausted. This will allow 428 participants to work an additional three months, taking care of their families, earning job experience, supporting small businesses, and paying taxes.
We encourage all employers to reach out to their representatives to share with them the testimonials and great stories about how this program has made a difference and can continue to make a difference.
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REMEMBER, We rely on you to help provide us with content, ideas, and feedback as we work together to serve those who depend upon us for services. If you have a story idea, event, comment or suggestion please submit to www.dssnews@mecklenburgcountync.gov
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