Back to Work and WeCARE Programs contracts are up-CVH Fights for Improvements

The WeCARE program in New York City is the job readiness/job search program for people with barriers such as a disability. Back to Work is the job search/job readiness program for people who determined by HRA to be able to work. Both programs are run by agencies which are paid through contracts with HRA. The contracts are up or about to be up.

Community Voices Heard believes that the progams are not achieving the goals. CVH has released two reports on this topic in the past- "Missing the Mark" and "Revolving Door"

CVH leaders have focused on pushing for changes in the contracts although we also have stated that funding would be better spent paying for more Transitional Jobs and paying for people to attend good schools and training.

Changes in the contract CVH has recommended are:
1) Milestone payments for getting someone into school or training
2) Higher milestone payment when someone gets a living wage job instead of a minimum wage job
3) Sick days and personal days

CVH also said that participants in the program should receive the milestone payment, not the contracted agency if they get te job or training themselves.

This fight continues. Call Jennifer to get involved at212-860-6001 x26

CVH is about to launch research into which workforce development processis working or better -Back to Work/WeCARE throug HRA work first, Workforce 1 trogh Small Business Services for people on unemployment,or the Department of Youth and Child Development.