Work First is an employment program that helps families that are in a temporary financial crisis. The Work First program provides a wide range of supportive services to aid families in reaching self-sufficiency.

Services are also provided to families where a child is living in the home of a relative whose is not the biological or adopted parent(s).

Qualifying families must meet basic income guidelines as well as other requirements, including but not limited to: being a United States citizen, a resident of Wake County, qualified immigrant and having at least one child under the age of 18 living at home. Each family is assessed based on their individual situation.

Goals of Work First

Work First objectives include, but are not limited to:

• Job readiness
• Employment
• Child well-being
• Economic self-sufficiency
• Improved physical and mental health of families

Supportive Services Available for Work First Families

• Short term training
• Vocational testing (Community Workforce Solutions)
• Job readiness programs and classes
• Child care (for participants in the employment services program)
• Transportation assistance
• Limited financial assistance
• Mental health counseling & referrals
• Substance abuse counseling & referrals
• Referrals to Medicaid, Food and Nutrition Services, housing assistance and domestic violence services
• 200% Services --Low income families whose income is below or at 200 percent of the federal poverty level may be eligible for some Work First services.

Resources

Read the Wake County Work First Plan