The Employment Advancement and Retention Network (EARN)program is designed to provide comprehensive activities and services to individuals newly applying for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits as well as on-going TANF benefit recipients. The goal of the program is to support participants in achieving successful employment outcomes as they move toward self-sufficiency.

 

EARN consists of two components:

 

·        The Work Support Component (WSC) provides job placement services to new TANF applicants. Participants enrolled in this component participate in an eight week job readiness and directed job search curriculum.

 

·        The Career Development Component (CDC) provides a full range of employment and training activities for the ongoing TANF recipient beginning with an initial four week job readiness and search program. Work first, employment, or a work activity is the preferred outcome. Other available activities include literacy, post-secondary education, and skill training.

 

The Lehigh Valley EARN Program partners with the Northampton County and Lehigh Carbon Community Colleges in offering innovative vocational educational skills training, job readiness curriculum, and directed job search/placement.

 

Job retention is a critical part of the EARN program, and job retention activities and incentives are designed to encourage participants to maintain employment. This leads to an increased likelihood of self sufficiency through opportunities for career advancement, increased wages, and employer provided medical benefits.