The Durham Chamber of Commerce has added a local twist to the state's WorkFirst program. In the last two months, the Chamber has helped 90 people off of thestate welfareroll and onto the payroll.
It was only one year ago that Sadi Holmeswas totally dependent on a welfare check. Now, thanks to Work First andthe Chamber,she is a productive member of the work force in Durham.
Under North Carolina's Work First program, welfare recipients are requiredto get a job within 12weeks after receiving their first welfare check. Usually, social servicesaids in the job-hunting process. However, in the Bull City, the localchamber ofcommerce also lends a hand, helping those on public assistance to helpthemselves. Chamber Vice-President Tom White says that hisorganization's efforts appear to be paying off.
White says that getting recipients on the roadto self-sufficiency helpsthe entire community. He says that the WorkFirst program is a testament what is possible when governmentand business work together for the community. It's a team effort that hasproduced 22,000 jobs for welfare recipients across the state. WorkFirst supervisor Carol Hunt says that the program is a wake-up call for folks on welfare.
Durham's program has become a model for other counties across the state.Mecklenberg, Nash, and Edgecombe Counties are working to get theirchambers involved in the Work First program.
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