October 4, 2004

Charlotte, NC - How Mecklenburg County will help to move recipients of cash assistance from welfare and into the work force is outlined in a draft Work First County Plan that is open to public review and written comment.

North Carolina general statutes require counties to develop such economic self-sufficiency plans, and the laws provide flexibility to tailor the plan to meet local needs. Revisions to Mecklenburg County's current plan have been drafted and now Mecklenburg County residents are being asked to comment on the proposed plan during the period of October 1- 12, 2004.

The Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services (DSS) developed the draft with direction from a community planning committee whose members include representatives from local government and public and private organizations. The group identified the needs of the people served, and analyzed the effectiveness and comprehensiveness of current services provided by the county. Also, current and former benefit recipients offered input on the plan that proposes how to manage the Work First program for the years 2005 through 2007.

The Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) plans to consider approval of the Work First Plan at its October 19, 2004, regular meeting. Once approved by the Board, the plan will be submitted to the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services by November 1, 2004.

Access to the proposed revised plan is available at the following locations:

Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County (Main library at 310 North Tryon Street and all branches)

Mecklenburg County DSS, 301 Billingsley Road, Charlotte

BOCC and County Manager's Office, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center, 600 East Fourth Street, 11th floor, Charlotte

Via the Web at DSS - Economic Services Division or http://www.4citizenhelp.com

Written comments on the proposed revised plan will be accepted through Oct. 12, 2004. Submit comments by mail, fax or e-mail to: Susie Parrott, Chair of the Work First Planning Committee, Mecklenburg County DSS, 301 Billingsley Road, Charlotte, NC 28211, or fax to 704-353-1325. Send e-mail to parrosh@co.mecklenburg.nc.us

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Media contact:

Suzanne Jeffries
704-353-0774
jeffesu@co.mecklenburg.nc.us or

Susie Parrott
704-353-1628
parrosh@co.mecklenburg.nc.us