Grace Community Church in Del Rio, began a series of workshops Fall 1998 for TANF clients to help them build their self-esteem and find and keep employment. Classes were held Monday evenings with childcare provided at the church. Besides the usual classroom instruction, community leaders are invited as guest speakers. Each client was assigned a mentor and both clients and mentors make a 12-week commitment. Four were employed immediately.
Mentors are also committed to continue to work with the clients until they find employment.
The church sponsored a job fair and continues its commitment to welfare clients. In January, the church will invite stakeholders to critique the program, talk about successes and failures, and make appropriate adjustments that will lead to greater retention and job placement. More than 160 representatives of nonprofit and faith-based groups attended in November a Charitable Choice Conference in Houston sponsored by Texas Department of Human Services. This venue provided an opportunity for participants to gain an understanding of the legislation, local funding sources, governments responsibility and the role they can play. Commissioner Bost spoke frankly about DHS involvement and answered questions.