New Franklin County-Godman Guild Partnership to ‘Connect’ SNAP Recipients with Job Skills Training
Columbus, OH – Franklin County is partnering with the Godman Guild Association to offer employment and training opportunities for residents on food assistance.
The Franklin County Board of Commissioners voted recently to approve a new partnership between Franklin County Department of Job and Family Services (JFS) and Godman Guild Association to oversee the County’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment and Training program (SNAP E&T).
Federal law requires that most working-age adults either have a job or are enrolled in education or training as a condition of receiving food assistance through SNAP, and under the new $900,000 agreement Godman Guild Association will assume management of program work activities.
“This partnership with Godman Guild will help us place SNAP recipients on a path toward greater economic mobility and financial security through employment and earning a living wage,” JFS Director Michelle Lindeboom said. “We want people to be confident that the skills, tools and support they’re receiving are going to help them achieve their career goals.”
Through their Project Connect Program, under the newly minted Work Readiness Academy™, Godman Guild Association will provide individualized career assessments, job readiness training, resources to address employment barriers and opportunities for occupational skills training. They will also help place participants in work experiences offered through local nonprofits, community organizations and employers.
“We’re trying to take a more holistic approach through this partnership,” JFS Chief Administrator Vivian Turner said. “It’s not just about addressing core needs; it’s about providing skills training and connecting people with jobs that will help them become more stable and self-sufficient. We’re providing a hand up to help folks get to the point where hopefully they won’t need food assistance.”
Under the partnership, Godman Guild Association will serve an estimated 1,500 work-required SNAP recipients referred by JFS, including managing work activity assignments and reporting compliance details.
“Through Project Connect and the Work Readiness Academy™, we’re excited to connect individuals to the programs and services that Godman Guild Association provides,” Godman Guild Association President & CEO Toni Cunningham said. “With the right amount of inspiration, access, and opportunities we will see individuals achieve at their highest levels and move themselves towards economic self-sufficiency.”
Under the partnership, Godman Guild Association will serve an estimated 1,500 work-required SNAP recipients referred by JFS, including managing work activity assignments and reporting compliance details.
This new partnership runs through Sept. 30, 2024. For more information, visit godmanguild.org.
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