New Relationships Faith-based organizations, such as churches and synagogues, have significant potential to help people moving from welfare to work. Several important success stories have emerged. The values of these organizations reflect long standing concerns for those in need. Partnerships with employers and businesses are difficult to build but hold great promise. The wide spread labor shortage and the employment emphasis of welfare reform have created some common ground.
Different employers have widely varied employment needs and available resources.
Preliminary findings suggest that larger businesses may be better able to work on eliminating barriers for MFIP participants. For example, banks have set up loans for cars and child care start up supplies and other businesses have helped with the sale and repair of motor vehicles or provided transportation service. Developing Programs and Services to Enhance Welfare Reform Efforts. The most pressing needs of people entering the work force are for child care, transportation, and the basic ability to prepare for, find and keep a job. Partnerships have focused their service efforts mainly on filling gaps in these areas.