VocRehab Reach-Up Program Background
The VR Reach Up Program was developed to address the needs of those job seekers who are currently receiving welfare benefits and also have a severe disability that prevents them from being successfully employed. National data suggests that over 40% of welfare recipients report a disability. This number is probably much higher since VR’s experience is that many recipients have not sought treatment or support for their disability, may not know they have a disability, or may not want to voluntarily disclose that disability. Currently, VR is serving about 375 individuals, with a waiting list of about 450. This accounts for about 16% of PATH’s population of welfare recipients.
The partnership with PATH is based on the following shared concepts:
- Employment is the goal for all participants.
- More flexible approaches are needed if we are to adequately assist this group of job seekers with multiple barriers to economic self-sufficiency.
- Job retention must be better addressed for those who return to welfare after only 30-60 days of employment.
- For the purposes of continuity and coordination of resources, all services should be delivered or directed through a single case manager.
