Richmond County Work First

“A bell is no bell 'til you ring it,
A song is no song 'til you sing it,
And love in your heart
Wasn't put there to stay-
Love isn't love
'Til you give it away."

Oscar Hammerstein

Work First is a statewide program
designed to help people on welfare
take responsibility for
themselves and their families
by finding and keeping jobs.


February is Children's Dental Health Month. If your child is 4-17 years of age and receives Medicaid or Health Choice, call the Richmond County Health Department Children's Dental Clinic today at 997-8330 to make an appointment!



Home

About Work First

Business & Community Partners

Family Services

Contact Us
















     "If you are willing to abide by the rules, you can go through this program and be successful in whatever your goal may be. As one of the first participants, I did everything I needed to do to meet the requirements and I feel that I am a success. I have went through a lot of things, but I made it."

Marcella C. McDonald
Hamlet, N.C.













Tabatha McMillan, left with Hilda Reynolds, Administrator, Hermitage Retirement Center

Get Ready, Set, Employment!

   Ms. McMillan had a plan. In the early part of 2009, she came into the Work First program determined to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. Within a month of entering the program, Ms. McMillan had earned a Silver Certificate in the WorkKeys class and was volunteering at the Hermitage.
   Focused on her goal, Ms. McMillan registered for summer semester classes at Richmond Community College. By fall of 2009, Ms. Millan was working as a full-time employee of the Hermitage Retirement Center.
   Did we mention during all of this, Ms. McMillan had a beautiful baby boy? This single mother of two had this to say about the Work First program; “If you really want to better yourself and the lives of your children, the Work First staff is there to help. My workers went above and beyond to make sure I received the help I needed to accomplish my employment goal.” She added, “Thanks to all of you in the Work First program.”
   Thanks to you, Tabatha, for sharing your story!



Reminder! February is:

  • Feb. 1st - National Freedom Day
  • Feb. 2nd - Groundhog Day
  • Feb. 4th - Rosa Park's Birthday
  • Feb. 7th - Super Bowl XLIV
  • Feb. 8th - Boy Scouts Day
  • Feb. 9th - Hershey's Chocolate was founded in 1894.
  • Feb. 11th - Don't Cry Over Spilled Milk Day
  • Feb. 14th - St. Valentine's Day
  • Feb. 15th - President's Day
  • Feb. 17th - Random Acts of Kindness Day
  • Feb. 21st - Love Your Pet Day
  • Feb. 22nd - George Washington's Birthday
  • Feb. 27th - No-Brainer Day
  • Work First client working as a vehicle sales person

       If you've been in our agency recently, you have probably seen this little dynamo with her cleaning cart! We'd like to welcome Mechell Young to our staff! Ms. Young began volunteering with the housekeeping staff in September 2009 and was officially hired in January 2010. Way to go, Mechell! Another example of a successful alternative work placement leading to employment!

       Kudos to Jennifer Glover for doing an excellent job in her volunteer placement. How do we know?Read what her supervisor said below:
       "It is busy as never before here but I had to stop and take time to tell you how Jennifer Glover has brightened our day around here at the ESC/JobLink. Jennifer is never late, usually early. She usually has to be told to stop work. Never has she had a sour attitude but instead is always smiling, positive and professional. What a rare treat it is to have someone come in and just jump right in to the work, always dressing professionally, always with an even personality (no drama) and customers seem to love her! Even more rare is that she never has to be reminded to perform a certain task or to "go check on customers". Jennifer goes to them. She doesn't wait for them to approach her.
       Let me sum it up this way . . . . .I wish we had the money in the budget to hire her and anyone else like her. Some company is going to get a super employee and I am going to be happy and jealous at the same time."
       Thank you so much for sending Jennnifer our way.
       Mike Railton
       Assistant Manager
       Richmond County ESC/JobLink

    What Work First Is NOT

    Work First is no longer a way of life.
    To learn more about Work First and how to get involved, contact your Richmond County Work First Program.

    What Is Work First?

    The Work First program emphasizes the importance of work and personal responsibility.

    Work First offers time-limited financial and employment-related resources to families.

    Families must work towards self-sufficiency while receiving Work First.

    Families receive assistance in obtaining and maintaining employment.

    Work First offers short-term services to families to assist in a quick return to the labor market.

    Work First assists in locating Non-Custodial parents.

    Parents are encouraged to spend quality time with their children.

    Building from a strengths-based perspective, Work First works with parents to strengthen and preserve families.





    Web Site Design by
    Marshall Bruney Media Consultants
    www.meowdesigners.biz