Work First 001 - Work First Preface & PHILOSOPHY

ROLE OF STAKEHOLDERS

The goals of Work First cannot be accomplished by government alone. Understandably, moving families off the public assistance rolls and toward self-sufficiency requires the efforts of each stakeholder in the community. These stakeholders include, but are not limited to:

• Businesses and business leaders, including landlords and utilities providers
• Local civic groups
• Places of worship
• Workforce Development Boards
• Educational institutions
• Child care providers
• Elected officials
• Non-profit agencies
• Families receiving Work First Family Assistance and
• Local governmental agencies and staff (Local Management Entities, Employment Security Commission, Vocational Rehabilitation public health board, local school systems, child welfare staff, etc.)

Local stakeholders represent those individuals, organizations, and agencies that have a role in moving families into employment. Put simply, they have a "stake" in designing and implementing the local Work First Program. These partnerships ensure the availability of financial assistance, assessments, rehabilitative services, training, childcare, transportation, and employment opportunities. These partnerships also represent the fundamental tenet that a successful Work First Program requires the efforts of everyone in the community.

Understandably, the active participation of local stakeholders should not be limited to a single contact or meeting. Stakeholders input and resources should be continually solicited as agencies move families off public assistance and into employment. At a minimum, stakeholders must be included in the agencies annual planning process.