Federal welfare reform legislation enacted in 1996 altered the nation's welfare program for families by imposing time limits on the receipt of cash assistance and stipulating work requirements. Moving people from welfare to work is a primary goal of the North Florida Workforce Development Board. Although the Board’s programs have dramatically reduced the number of welfare recipients in North Florida, individuals remaining on the rolls are reportedly even less skilled than those who have already left welfare and present unique and greater challenges. Aggressive outreach and recruitment, specialized testing and placement, comprehensive assessments and career planning, group support and frequent follow-up are all integral and promising elements of the intensive service strategy employed by NFWDB. Analysis of employability needs of recipients indicate access to technology is a major obstacle to finding employment for many individuals.
"Being a member of the DSA allows us to stay at the forefront of the retail self-service industry offerings. We are able to work alongside other deployers and share ideas and experiences."
Kari Blankenship
Retail Programs Manager Cabela's Inc.
