DSS had already been awarded an initial grant of $1.32 million by the State of North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services for the support of 200 job placements to residents eligible for the Federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, which serves DSS Work First customers. The supplementary allocation is for $600,000, allowing for an additional 100 job placements. This will increase the total number of placements to 300 through June 30, 2012, the program closing date.

Like Job Boost I, Job Boost II clients have the opportunity to be employed in jobs that pay on average of $7.25 to $12 per hour. Types of job placements include manufacturing, educational services, retail, animal care and rescue, warehouse distribution and clerical work.

As of December 2, 2011, Job Boost II has made 300 placements with a total of 148 participants still in their 20-week program. More than 150 placements were made from July to September 2011.

Community partners and businesses working with DSS on the Job Boost II project include CMPD Animal Control, Ashley Home Furniture, Brisbane Academy, Center for Community Transitions, Coinstar, Discovery Place, Dystar, Goodwill Retail Stores, Goodworks Staffing, Mallard Creek Learning Center, Morris Costumes, Probuild Production, Resourceful Solutions, the Men’s Shelter, Staffmark, TJ Maxx Retail Stores, and TJ Maxx Distribution Center.

In order to apply for this program, residents must meet the eligibility requirement and apply through DSS. To learn more visit http://charmeck.org/mecklenburg/county/dss/Pages/Default.aspx or call 704-336-3000.

If you are an employer and are interested in participating in the Job Boost II Initiative, please contact Jim Fuller at Staffmark (704-622-7979) or Jessica Collier at Goodworks Staffing (704-332-0341).

# # #

Media Contact: Andy Fair at 704-432-0021 or Andrew.Fair@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov