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Frequently
Asked Questions
What
is CalWORKs?
CalWORKs
(“California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to
Kids”) is California’s version of welfare reform.
It is a program that helps those receiving welfare benefits
become economically self-sufficient. At Pierce College,
we offer basic skills classes in English, Math, and English
as a Second Language and GED preparation classes. We also
offer training for many vocational programs.
How
do I qualify?
You
must be receiving a TANF cash grant (formerly known as AFDC)
from Los Angeles County, and you must also be able to benefit
from the training or education Pierce College offers.
What
is GAIN?
GAIN
is Los Angeles County's program to help people move
from welfare to work through job training, employment preparation
and supportive services. GAIN participants sign a
contract with the County or County-contracted companies
to obtain vocational education and basic skills as well
as supportive services for a specific period of time.
After completion of the agreed-upon education component,
participants may be eligible for additional post-employment
services once they are working full time.
What
is a “SIP”?
A
“SIP” is a Self-Initiated Participant. This
is a student who started their education program before
the County called them in to sign a welfare-to-work agreement.
How
do I get help from the
Pierce College
GAIN/CalWORKs Office?
You
may be referred to our office by those responsible for the
case management of your welfare-to-work plan, such as Lockheed
Martin (West San Fernando Valley) or MAXIMUS (East San Fernando
Valley), or by a city or county One-Stop agency.
After
we receive the referral, we will schedule appointments for
your intake interview, orientation, campus assessment and
program planning.
If
you are a SIP who is already on campus, you may call our
office at 818-719-6400 for an appointment, or drop in to
see us in Bungalow 0370.
What
documentation should I bring
with me
to my first appointment?
For
GAIN-referred students, we require a referral form, a complete
vocational assessment and a copy of your welfare-to-work
plan from those referring you to us. These can be
mailed to us (Pierce College GAIN/CalWORKs Office, 6201
Winnetka Ave., Woodland Hills, Ca., 91371), or faxed to
us (818-992-6729) directly from the referring source.
If
you are a SIP, we require a copy of a Notice of Action that
shows your cash grant, or a cash issuance receipt (the receipt
attached to your monthly TANF check). The Notice of
Action or cash issuance receipt must be either from the
current or prior month.
You
should bring a California driver’s license or identification
card and your social security card. If you are a man,
aged 18 to 27, please bring your Selective Service card.
What
kind of help can I expect
from the
GAIN/CalWORKs Office?
Our
office is here to serve you. We help you enroll at
Pierce, apply for financial aid and plan your education
program, so you meet your goals. We assist you to
obtain book grants, child care, transportation, supplies,
and uniforms and tools, if required by your educational
program. We help negotiate your needs with the referring
agency. We coordinate your access to on-campus resources,
and can refer you to community-based organizations for issues
such as personal counseling, legal and medical assistance
and domestic violence.
What
is my responsibility as
student
receiving help through the GAIN/CalWORKs
Office?
You
must:
-
Provide
all required documentation
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Sign
the Pierce College GAIN/CalWORKs agreement
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Commit
to passing your courses
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Attend
labs and workshops to improve your skills.
-
Keep
all appointments and attend all classes and meetings
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Inform
us of any changes in your CalWORKs status, address,
phone number, GAIN worker
-
Check
with us before changing your academic program or adding/dropping
classes
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Meet
at least once a semester for program planning and progress
check toward your educational goal
How
do I get college financial aid?
Each
eligible participant in the Pierce College GAIN/CalWORKs
program is also directed to the College Financial Aid Office.
There you will complete forms to qualify you for a Board
of Governors fee waiver, which pays your enrollment fees.
The waiver does not need to be repaid. You may be
eligible for additional financial aid. Some financial
aid may affect your TANF benefits.
I
am worried about studying
in a college.
How can I get help with my schoolwork?
Most
students will have one or more on-campus placement tests.
These will help us place you in the level of class that
will be most comfortable and useful to you. There
are many places on campus to get tutoring, such as the Learning
Center and math, English, writing and language labs.
Pierce provides study skills and subject skills classes.
All of this help is free.
All my life, I’ve had trouble
learning . Is
there help for me?
Some
students have learning disabilities that have never been
identified. We can help you request testing and consultation
in the on-campus disabled students’ office. This
service is free. Supportive classes, counseling and
strategies for learning are available for eligible students.
My
GAIN worker told me I need to have 32
hours of work/school activity (35 for married
students).
Can I get help finding a job?
You
may qualify for CalWORKs or federal work-study assistance
doing paid work on campus or in the community in a position
that enables you to acquire skills related to your chosen
career goal.
The
Job Center at Pierce can help you search for jobs.
A state Employment Development Department representative
is located in the Job Center, and can connect you with job
developers whose focus is finding employment for CalWORKs
students.
I
still have questions about
the
GAIN/CalWORKs program at Pierce.
How
can I find
the answers?
CALL
our office at 818-719-6400
to speak to someone or make an appointment.
STOP
BY Bungalow 0370,
across from Financial Aid.
Remember,
we’re here to help you!
Last
Updated:
February 2, 2005
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