Looking ahead is a good way to keep from falling behind. We have for too long been a nation of calloused consciences and tender hands because of no opportunities to work. Thirty-seven former welfare recipients are now on the payroll at Kansas City's City Hall, working in maintenance and security, in clerical positions, as equipment operators, and in other roles. The FEC has agreed to be the job training and referral agency for the program.
Poor people do want work.
They understand that work is the yeast that raises the dough. And, yes, poor people want dough like everyone else. The program was put together in about six weeks, and hiring of the first 33 workers took just 24 hours. The city held a job fair last summer, attracting several hundred job candidates. Mayor Cleaver is pleased that Kansas City's Local 500 of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees has given its full support to the program.