Transitional Jobs Successfully Move People from Welfare to Work; Study Finds 81 to 94 percent of Graduates Find Unsubsidized Work 4/10/2002
From: Janeen Lawlor, 202-518-8047; janeen@publicinterestpr.com News Advisory: Impending reauthorization of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant has ignited renewed debate on how to transition people from welfare to work. While many have left welfare for work during the past several years, too many have been left behind because traditional workfirst programs have failed to help them overcome significant challenges to gaining employment. A new study finds that transitional jobs programs, which combine real work, real pay, skill development, and support services, are successful in providing real opportunity for economic security. An effective approach for turning jobs seekers into wage earners, funding for transitional jobs is and will be included in several congressional bills, including four separate proposals sponsored by Sen. Lincoln (D-Ark.) and Rep. Levin (D-Mich.), Sens. Wellstone (D-Minn.), Carper (D-Del.), and Rockefeller (D-W.Va.). On Wednesday, April 17, the Center for Law and Social Policy and the Economic Opportunity Institute will hold a Capitol Hill breakfast briefing to release a new multi-site study of transitional jobs programs conducted by the Mathematica Policy Research. A former welfare recipient and an employer of a transitional jobs program graduate will provide firsthand testimonials. And, the National League of Cities will announce ten cities selected to receive technical assistance to establish transitional jobs programs. Currently, there are approximately 40 transitional jobs programs nationwide. WHAT: Breakfast Briefing: Transitional Jobs Programs -- Real Jobs, Real Wages, Real Success WHEN: Wednesday April 17 10-11:15 a.m. WHERE: Dirksen Senate Office Building, Room 628 Washington, D.C. WHO: -- Gretchen Kirby, Mathematica -- Cheryl Winn, Transitional Job Program Participant (Philadelphia) -- Paul Knox, Washington State Office of Trade and Economic Development -- Cliff Johnson, National League of Cities RSVP: Janeen Lawlor, 202-518-8047 or janeen@publicinterestpr.com |