Work Ready

The Issue

When financial difficulties hit, it usually affects not only the individual but an entire family. This reality, though difficult, is not impossible to overcome. Recently state legislators have realized that more effort must go toward helping people navigate and overcome barriers in their lives and communities so they can excel in work.

Our Impact

The GECAC Work Ready Program utilizes a number of tools and resources to assist those who are ready to work at overcoming those short-term and long-term 'difficulties' that have hindered them from confidently gaining new skills, developing life-sustaining goals, and being better equipped with the basic skills leading to job readiness.

Overview

Eligibility for enrollment in Work Ready is determined by the Erie County Assistance Office. 

Upon enrollment, you will participate in program orientation, needs-based assessment, and be assigned to a case manager who will help you develop a structured, but personalized service delivery plan, and provide ongoing coordination of services for successful participation in the Work Ready Program.  Important support services like childcare and transportation are initial benefits you can expect from program participation. 

  • Intensive one-on-one case management and facilitation of pre-employment services
  • Coaching in life skills and basic job readiness training
  • Access to basic education services skills and more advanced skills training
  • Assessment of social, educational, and employment needs
  • Community service placements to enhance skills and build resumes
  • Employment development plans
  • Identifying referral resources and building team supports to address issues including behavioral health, issues related to drug and alcohol, and/or disabilities

Enrollment

  • Age 18 or older
  • Receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits
  • Eligibility for benefits is determined by the Erie County Assistance Office (ECAO), and a referral to the Work Ready Program is required.
  • To apply: go to https://www.compass.state.pa.us or visit the Erie County Assistance Office located at 1316 Holland Street, Erie, PA 16512
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Request More Info

Anita McCoy
Program Manager
(814) 451-5618
amccoy@gecac.org