The story of Mary, a Wilcox County mother of three, illustrates another recurring theme. She attends college at night and works 30 hours a week at a daytime PREP placement. She has participated in several PREP placements, but they have not given her new job skills. The local JOBS caseworker says that employers often choose not to hire PREP workers after their training ends. Another disturbing concern came up repeatedly in urban areas, where caseloads are overwhelming.
Applicants describe instances of verbal abuse and degradation by caseworkers.
Surely no one would argue that degradation and humiliation are the best way to reduce the welfare rolls. We can't eliminate poverty by focusing on just one or two issues. Only a creative analysis of the full array of problems will meet the challenge. And only by listening to our neighbors in distress can our efforts be relevant to their needs. We plan to publish Gerard's full report soon.