Work Central, a project of the nonprofit organization Connectinc., provides case management and resource information services to help former welfare clients stay employed and advance. This project began in 2000. Services are provided through a call center that serves 18 counties in North Carolina. County departments of social services refer customers to Work Central. Individuals seeking assistance also initiate calls. Through telephone counseling and information and referral, Work Central staff work with customers on career development and advancement, financial planning and asset accumulation, and personal and family needs that may interfere with employment. Staff help customers connect with numerous support services, including key work supports such as the EITC and child care subsidies, and they provide intensive follow-up to ensure customers receive needed supports. Staff are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays to ensure access for working families.

The goals of this program are:

1. Re-Employment: They create job search plans, develop job readiness strategies, and emphasize family maintenance. This goal recognizes a noticeable number of first jobs do not last; therefore, Work Central prevents the re-spending of taxpayer dollars already spent once.

2. Job Retention: They review support systems, promote problem solving, and support longevity on the job. This goal is measured in 6 and 12 month benchmarks.

3. Career Advancement: They introduce customers to career paths, explore training opportunities, and pursue educational plans.

4. Asset Accumulation: They connect customers to checking and savings account resources, inform customers about financial counseling, and educate customers about home ownership opportunities. Work Central replaces homeless with hope so people will believe that tomorrow will be better than their today.

Of the 9,328 customers served since June 2000, Work Central has assisted 3,125 customers in entering employment and supported 5,986 customers in meeting their six and 12 month job retention goals.