SELF SUFFICIENCY PROJECT

Effective July 1, 2003 CAF has moved to a total Self
Sufficiency Project. With the new program, all clients coming into
the agency will be required to go through a comprehensive assessment
to determine eligibility, skills level as it relates to employment, as well as an assessment to identify the other needs that exist
regarding nutrition and consumer education (budgeting, income management, etc.). The goal of the new program is to lead all clients to self sufficiency through an increase in income.

If you are looking for work, we can help you be prepared
to fill out a job application, answer tough interview questions
and learn what you should expect on the job through our Self Sufficiency
Employment.

o Individualized Assistance
Each client is assigned a personal case manager for both the Employment and Consumer Education components.

o Assessment of Skill's Level
Each client is assessed to determine his/her skill's level relevant to employment, money management and nutrition goals.

o Paid Job Readiness Training
Each client who attends and completes the 9 hours Job Readiness Training receives $15 at the completion of the training. The training consists of resume development, appropriate completion of employment application, interviewing techniques, etc.

o On-site GED/Basic Skills Upgrade Instruction
CAF is the only facility in Mecklenburg County that has an on-site instructor from CPCC who assists clients with preparations for the GED or basic education skills upgrade. CAF will sponsor clients who wish to attend CPCC for classes toward the achievement of a High School Diploma.

o Free Sponsorship of Specialized Skills Classes
Computer Training Classes are provided at CAF free of charge to clients who meet the entry-level qualifications. At completion, clients may receive a $50.00 stipend. Short Term Vocational Training, i.e. Nurse's Aide, Pharmacy Technician, Hospital Unit Secretary, Customer Services, Human Resources Management classes are provided in cooperation with CPCC and other training providers. Training in the Trades (TNT) is provided in cooperation with agencies and local employers for training in trade occupations, i.e. flexo (graphic) printing with Flexographics Company.

o Paid Job Search Activity
Each client who is assessed as job ready will be referred to appropriate employment opportunities. A $3.00 stipend (maximum of $30.00 per client) will be paid to the client for each verifiable job that he or she applies for and returns the contact form to the case manager.

o Limited Financial Assistance for Employment
Clients may receive financial assistance with tools, transportation, work related clothing, and other work requirement cost.

o Emergency Financial Assistance
Financial assistance is provided on a limited basis to clients in crisis situations (up to a maximum of $500 per client) to alleviate current crisis situations. Clients who are behind in their rent due to crisis situations, CAF will pay up to $500 per client. Past due utilities such as gas, electricity, oil, etc. can be paid up to a maximum of $300 per client. CAF will also provide limited assistance with the purchase of prescription medicine, up to $100 per client. Limited financial assistance for safe standard housing up to $500 per family (first month's rent or deposit) will also be provided by CAF.

o Counseling and Follow-up Assistance
Each client receives on-going counseling throughout his or her training and employment search with CAF. In addition, once employment has been obtained, our case manager periodically follow-up with clients to inquire about their employment and offer additional assistance if needed.

o Money Management Training Sessions
Staff provides money management sessions to teach clients how to better mange money and resources. The sessions also include consumer education, i.e. the best places to shop and save money, budget development, credit, nutrition education, etc. As an incentive for participating in these activities, clients will receive a $20.00 stipend for the successful completion of the 8 hours sessions.

o Budget Counseling Sessions/Goal Setting
Budget counseling sessions are available to individuals and families to assist with managing household resources to avoid crisis situations, reduce debt, realize a savings and possibly establish credit. Clients work with case managers to establish goals regarding their income, adopt family budgets, develop individualized plans, and locate resources toward the achievement of the goals. During the first three months, clients will receive a $10.00 monthly stipend check for scheduled budget counseling sessions.

o Workshops
CAF will sponsor workshops on various subjects relevant to life, social and safety skills, i.e. parenting skills, drug abuse, anger and stress management, wellness and health, food shopping on a budget, food preparation, etc.

o Income Tax Preparation
Income tax preparation (Federal and North Carolina) is available to clients who are income eligible per the federal guidelines.

o Free Food
Clients who have completed the money management training may participate in the CAF Food Club. Each month eligible clients may receive donated food from the Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina through their participation in the CAF Self Sufficiency Project. Those clients with special dietary needs will be able to receive food vouchers to local grocery stores to purchase foods such as fruits and vegetables to meet their dietary needs. Other sources of food may be provided through participation in the project.