To reduce the risk of dependency on public assistance among recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), our Self- Sufficiency Fund Program provides training for employment opportunities that enable participants to achieve self-sufficiency while retaining their dignity.
Employment Forecast
The construction, warehouse, and welding industries are forecast for consistent long-term growth that will generate hundreds of local jobs for which skilled workers are needed.
Once certified in a skill, Civic Heart program graduates can expect to earn two to three times that of a non-certified or minimum wage laborer, and sometimes, even more.
The career training program aims to develop projects that:
- will create jobs in the workforce areas through collaboration
- allow participants who complete the training to attain an industry- recognized certificate or credential in one of the following targeted areas:
Construction- Certified Logistics Associate
- Sheet Metal 1
- Drywall
- Painter 1
- Craft Laborer
Warehouse
- Forklift Operator
Welding
- Welder Level 1
Eligibility Criteria
- Living in Harris County at the time of enrollment
- Recipient and individuals at risk of becoming dependent on public assistance
- TANF recipients
- TANF-eligible
- Earn less than $37,000 a year with a dependent
- Has a desire to better their situation
Additional Support
- Financial literacy
- Job-readiness workshop
- Dress for success / Career Gear interview attire
- Job placement
- Food For Change Scholarship
- Free admission to ALL Civic Heart job fairs
Program Resources English:
Referral
Application
Houston Food Bank – Food for Change Program Application
Food for Change Market Locator
Assessment Tool
Program Resources en Español:
Formulario de Referencia
La Aplicación
Herramienta de evaluación
Program Staff
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