Getting Ahead is the first step into Community Action’s Family Self-Sufficiency Program. The program is a 15-week course with weekly sessions of 2 – 2.5 hours per week. You must be willing and able to commit to attending the 15 sessions.
To be eligible for this program, total gross household income cannot exceed 125% of poverty. Other requirements will be discussed during the assessment process.
FAMILY SELF-SUFFICIENCY PROGRAM
The Family Self-Sufficiency Program provides the support and skills to low-income participants to facilitate the transition from crisis to economic stability.
Eligibility
Any income eligible resident of Calhoun, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty and Wakulla counties who:
- Has participated in the Agency’s Getting Ahead Resource Building Course;
- Is a current Head Start parent;
- Has repeatedly requested crisis assistance from the Agency;
- Requires assistance from the agency’s education and employment program;
- Is referred by a partner agency for more in-depth services to help overcome crisis and better maintain the household;
- Is referred for help to overcome financial crisis.
Income Eligibility: Total household income must be at or below 125% of poverty based on the number of household members.
Services Available to Participants Enrolled in FSSP
- Help with GED, trade/vocational education, or higher education to improve opportunities for jobs with a livable wage;
- Employability skills, and opportunity to participate in the Agency’s On-The-Job Training (OJT) Program;
- Job Placement, coaching, and counseling;
- Ongoing counseling, monitoring, and support from a case manager/social worker to ensure continued progress toward family self-sufficiency goals;
- Multiple opportunities for crisis/emergency assistance (rent, utilities, food vouchers, transportation, childcare) based on availability of resources.
Maximum Term for Program Participants
The goal of the Family Self-Sufficiency Program is to help participants overcome poverty and gain financial independence. Participants are enrolled for one year with annual renewal up to three years, depending on funding and income eligibility.
The Levels Of The Self-Sufficiency Scale Are:
Crisis ~ Vulnerable ~ Stable ~ Safe ~ Thriving
Case Managers regularly assess participant’s effort and progress, and re-evaluate the kind of support required by the agency to assist them in maintaining forward momentum toward goals, at least on a monthly basis.
Emergency services should not be required after the first year, except for unforeseen crisis (such as job loss through no fault of participant, injury or illness of participant, spouse or child living in household, etc.) reviewed on a case-by-case basis. As participants advance up the self-sufficiency scale, emphasis should be placed on:
- Educational resources,
- Employability skills and job training,
- Job placement, coaching, and counseling,
- Emergency services.
Contact Information
For more information on program enrollment, please contact your local county office or complete the online application.
