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Buffalo, New York - Two of Western New York not for profit agencies shares remarkable success in the LIVES program in New York State.
The Learning Disabilities Association (LDA) of Western New York, in collaboration with Goodwill Industries of Western New York helps community members successfully migrate from welfare to self-sufficiency. The Department of Social Services in both Erie and Niagara counties provide referrals to the LIVES-WNY program. The Local Interagency Vocational and Educational Services Program, or LIVES, is funded by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA), and the New York State Education Department, Office of Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID).
Awarded a five-year grant in March 2006, the LIVES-WNY program assists adults with a documented disability who are receiving public assistance in achieving self-sufficiency. This comprehensive intervention program provides wrap-around support as participants receive individualized assessments, counseling services and workforce and life skills training at the Goodwill Industries William Street location in Buffalo.
LDA and Goodwill offer comprehensive support services to program participants while they are taught to do a trade and obtain hands-on production experience under supervision. The experienced staff looks at the needs of the entire person and put supports in place that allow the individuals to succeed in employment. Ann Marie Rodriguez-Forgie, the LDA Program Director for LIVES, brings experience as a job developer and case manager. An employee of LDA since 2002, Ann Marie has applied her dual degree in criminal law and social science to her leadership of the LIVES program. Kara Eaton-Weaver, the Goodwill LIVES Project Manager uses her Masters in Community Counseling to provide classroom training on work readiness skills and values.
Since implementation on 5/1/06, the LIVES-WNY program and staff have served 175 individuals providing assessment and case management services while meeting participation requirements for clients. Experienced staff and established collaborations and programs maximized services from the first day of the grant.
The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) reported in April 2007 that welfare rolls continue to decline through the early part of 2007, and are now at their lowest level in 40 years. Data through the end of February show a statewide drop of more than 9,000 recipients from January 2007, bringing New York’s rolls to 541,503. This is the lowest level since the Kennedy Administration in 1963.
OTDA Commissioner David A. Hansell said the decline is the result of programs that reward and support work and make it possible for families to begin on the path to self-sufficiency.
This program truly draws on the strength of both organizations. Both English and Spanish-speaking individuals referred to the program are served. The LDA program director and intensive case manager are bi-lingual. LDA of WNY has developed a screening tool for the Spanish speaking population, to better address literacy and learning concerns.
Regular case review and program surveys are conducted by the state to ensure specific outcomes are achieved and performance levels remain high. Based on this performance, agencies continue to receive funds.
A review by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) of the LIVES-WNY program was conducted in October 2006. This included interviewing key staff regarding program implementation efforts, intake procedures, activities and services being offered and the progress in meeting contract goals. Cases were reviewed to ensure correct eligibility and assessment and evaluation of LIVES candidates.
Fourteen months into the grant cycle LIVES-WNY is completing an average of 7 assessments and 5 Individual Plans for Employment monthly. The program’s success combines experienced staff and established relationships to involve, engage and motivate program participants at every stage of the process.
One successful program graduate, Erica Lewicki, is employed at Connie’s Laundry and Dry Cleaning, in Buffalo, NY. Her supervisor, Beth Wagner, calls Erica a “great worker, dependable and a fast learner.”
“The LIVES program helped me out,” Erica stated. “It gave me support to look for employment. Now I am earning a great paycheck.” Erica will continue to receive case management through any adjustments in public assistance. LIVES will continue to link Erica with necessary services.
© Copyright 2008 by Speakupwny.com
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