Neighbor News
Working Mom Supports Her Family Through SNAP and TANF Services
Monmouth County Resident and Mom of Four Finds Job Fairs, Interview Preparation, Communication Tips and More Life-Changing Services
Jasmin was overloaded. In April of 2020 - when COVID-19 started - the mother of two gave birth to premature twins while living in Ohio. When she returned to Monmouth County in her home state of New Jersey, she fell on hard times and knew she needed all the help she could get for her growing family.
A recipient of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) services, Jasmin was admittedly skeptical when her TANF case worker referred her to the Monmouth County Community Affairs Resource Center (CARC) where she met with WorkFirst New Jersey (WFNJ), a reform program that strives to help people transition from public assistance, secure employment and become more self-sufficient through job training, education and work activities. But she was determined to get back into the workforce – she previously worked as a social worker in a domestic violence unit and worked in healthcare for 10 years.
“At that point in my life, I wondered if they were really going to help me,” said Jasmin.
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To her surprise, the team at WFNJ reviewed her resume and quickly connected her to job fairs, prepped her for interviews and taught her communication tips.
After weeks of persistent networking and career-building and coaching, a position within CARC opened up. Since CARC was impressed with Jasmin’s skills, they offered her the job and she gladly accepted.
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“Working with CARC opened up so many doors for me that I never could have imagined,” said Jasmin. “It prepared me to enter back into the workforce with confidence.”
“My whole experience with WorkFirst was nothing but beneficial for me. Everyone was so pleasant to work with – they even helped me find day care for my kids,” said Jasmin.
Jasmin now has the work-life stability to continue working and provide better care for her children. She believes that by helping herself, she’s in a better position to help her family.
“Through networking and attending different events, I’ve learned that there are a lot of people who were in the workforce and had to start over,” Jasmin said. “I want people to know that they’re not alone when going through hard times and need help. Monmouth County has resources to help you get back on your feet, and if you put in the work, things will turn for the better.”
Occupational and trade training, job placement and career-building opportunities are just a few of the many life-changing services available to Monmouth County families and individuals receiving support services through Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). SNAP and TANF recipients are encouraged to call the Monmouth County Division of Social Services at 732-431-6000 x6323.
For more information on WorkFirst New Jersey, visit https://workinmonmouth.com/workfirst-new-jersey/.
