@NMSU
Cooperative Extension Service administers program to help TANF recipients join the workforce
Getting back into the workforce is tough, especially when the economy is down. For recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) financial support they need a partner in the quest for employment.
New Mexico State University's New Mexico Works program is that partner for approximately 5,600 TANF clients on any given day. In 21 counties in Southwestern, Central and Northern New Mexico, it is helping New Mexico families acquire skills needed for financial advancement by supporting participants in obtaining and retaining employment.
During this current fiscal year, NMSU New Mexico Works has helped 1,602 people return to the workforce offering them the opportunity to become self sufficient.
Administered through the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, the program in keeping with the cornerstone philosophy and task of the Cooperative Extension Service - improving lives and communities.
"Cooperative Extension is about community and that's how this program is framed within the university. It is one more thing we are doing within the communities to help people improve themselves and their community," said Carolyn VanderGiesen, director of NMSU's New Mexico Works. "This program is a safe haven for people to become self-motivated and to be self-sufficient."
NMSU began administrating the program that is funded through the New Mexico Department of Human Services in 1999 when the federal law changed the welfare program to the NM Works Program. Beginning with the southwest region of the state, NMSU's contract expanded to the central region in 2006 and the northern region in 2007. Currently, VanderGiesen oversees a $10.5 million program and employees 150 people.
Helping people overcome the obstacles that prevent them from working is the foundation of the program. Once the client is referred to the TANF program by the New Mexico Human Service Department a New Mexico Works career development specialist determines the client's needs and makes referrals for various agencies, thus beginning the client's process to return to the workforce.
The TANF program requires clients to participate in 24 to 59 hours of activities each week, depending on their household makeup including the number of adults living and age of children in the household. The activities are designed to help them make the transition back into the workforce.
NMSU's New Mexico Works coordinates training programs with educational institutions in the communities where the county offices are located. "The range of programs is from GED to attending classes at NMSU or other higher education institutions," VanderGiesen said. "For many of our clients, the community college is a safe haven for them to return to the educational process."
Job training and educational programs include skills for the manufacturing environment, truck driving, landscaping, office technology, childcare classes, computer technology, culinary arts and pharmacy tech.
Written by Jane Moorman.