POUGHKEEPSIE, NY – Charity works tirelessly as an overnight security officer, dedicated to protecting others while also raising her son on her own. Each day and night, she juggles the demands of her job with the responsibility of getting her child to and from school. Without reliable transportation, this balancing act is even harder.
Today, though, Charity received help to meet both important tasks and build a bright future for herself and her son.
Following months of dedication, attending classes and workshops as part of Dutchess County’s “Way to Work” program, Charity and five other low-income County residents who are eligible for temporary assistance earned gently used vehicles, presented to them today by County Executive Sue Serino, to help them obtain and retain employment; acquire jobs with more hours or higher pay or gain access to higher education.
Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino said, “To raise healthy, successful families, parents need dependable transportation to ensure they can get to work. Today’s six recipients have truly earned the vehicles they’re receiving by dedicating time and energy toward building a better future for themselves and their families. Dutchess County is proud to support them with the opportunity, training and resources to thrive.”
The “Way to Work” employment empowerment program is a partnership between the County’s Department of Community & Family Services (DCFS) and the Dutchess County Workforce Investment Board (DCWIB) that assists residents who are receiving, or are eligible to receive, public assistance address their transportation barriers and support them on their path to self-reliance. Qualified participants must come from a family that receives Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or whose family income is less than 200 percent of the poverty level.
The program is committed to helping participants access transportation solutions that support their employment goals. Residents are selected for the program based on their limited income and a work-related need for transportation. Participants are also expected to demonstrate dedication and perseverance in working toward financial self-sufficiency.
“Way to Work” includes a range of services, such as financial and vehicle care literacy seminars, a financial bootcamp, a credit score improvement workshop and assistance with vehicle registration and insurance, as well as job readiness tools, budgeting skills training and career development resources necessary to secure and retain employment. As the culmination of their months of hard work, each “Way to Work” recipient was presented today with a pre-owned vehicle they’ve earned during a ceremony held at the DCWIB in Poughkeepsie; vehicles are inspected and prepared for use by local automotive partners.
Today’s other vehicle recipients include:
DCFS Assistant Commissioner for Youth Services Karmen Smallwood, herself a former “Way to Work” vehicle recipient, was today’s keynote speaker, inspiring today’s recipients with her personal success story.
Each time a family earns a car from “Way to Work” and no longer relies on temporary assistance, Dutchess County saves $1,614 per month; that amount, over a year, equals the price of a used vehicle. Since the program began, 90 percent of recipients have continued to stay off temporary assistance.
The “Way to Work” program is one of a multitude of programs and initiatives that DCFS has to help people achieve independence.
DCFS Commissioner Sabrina Jaar Marzouka said, “Dutchess County residents who have been devoted to making a better life for themselves and their families, and who have worked to achieve it, have found success through the ‘Way to Work’ program. Every person has unique needs, and at DCFS we help them reach their full potential. Our department is incredibly proud of this initiative and the families it has supported, as they exemplify the meaningful impact DCFS strives to make every day.”
For more than 25 years, the “Way to Work” program has benefited more than 3600 families, providing 939 cars, along with registration and car insurance deposits. Additionally 323 County residents have gained their New York State learner’s permit; (1,902)people participated in driving experience classes; 526 individuals completed the five-hour, pre-licensing class; 505 passed their state road test and earned a driver’s license; and 779 vehicle repairs were approved on behalf of program participants.
DCWIB Executive Director Louise McLoughlin said, “The ‘Way to Work’ program remains dedicated to helping participants who are ready to commit and take the steps needed to achieve success. The Workforce Investment Board values our strong partnership with Dutchess County, which helps provide dependable transportation for residents working toward self-sufficiency. We look forward to seeing the program continue to positively impact so many lives.”
“Way to Work” is solely for low-income and TANF-eligible residents. Qualified residents who are interested in applying for the months-long “Way to Work” program can contact Taylor O’Donnell, Associate Director at the Dutchess County Workforce Investment Board, at taylor@dcwib.org or (845) 249-4642. Additional information about the “Way to Work” program, including income eligibility requirements and an application, are available on the DCWIB’s website: dutchessonestop.org/Way%20to%20Work%20Dutchess.
