PORT TOWNSEND — The Port Townsend/Jefferson County WorkFirst Local Planning Area group has been awarded an $8,000 state grant to assist low-income parents find work, get off welfare and become self sufficient.
WorkFirst is a coalition of government agencies, nonprofit organizations and others providing services for families participating in WorkFirst, the state’s welfare-to-work program.
WorkFirst members were recognized by Gov. Gary Locke for their contributions during a reception Thursday.
“In hard economic times, the state needs to find innovative ways to help low-income parents compete in the job market and provide for their families,” said Julie Baker, who oversees Local Planning Area efforts from the Office of Trade and Economic Development’s headquarters in Olympia.
The Port Townsend/Jefferson County program received the award for providing employment and support services resulting in caseload reduction and increased child support collections, Baker said.
The number of parents receiving WorkFirst grants in Jefferson County area has dropped 63 percent — from 302 cases in January 1997 to 111 cases this year.
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