Erica’s Story: Choices Program

Erica is receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). She volunteered in the Choices program with Workforce Solutions North Texas in our Bowie office to help her find sustainable employment.

Through the Choices program, customers have access to supportive services to remove barriers to employment. Erica received gas cards to help her look for work and get to and from interviews.

She found employment at a Shell Gas Station as a Cashier making $12/hr. after only two weeks of job searching. Erica earned a $100 incentive for finding employment within the four weeks. Erica’s job is full-time, five days a week in Decatur, a 30-mile drive from her home. Her car needed minor repairs to maintain employment and make the drive to Decatur safely every day. She could not afford these repairs as she just started working. Through  the Choices program Workforce Solutions paid just under $500 to have her car repaired so she could safely and reliably get to and from work each day.

Because of her persistence and hard work, and with the help of the Choices program, Erica will no longer be receiving TANF as of April 1, 2021. Erica was very thankful for the support from Workforce Solutions North Texas and her Case Manager, Jesse Graham. She said, ‘I beyond appreciate you and Mary. I cannot thank you enough. It’s very much appreciated.’

To find out how you can participate in one of our programs, contact us online or call any of our locations.