HOPE
Initiative
Are you looking for work? Do you need to advance your career?
Have you wanted to go to a training course to learn new skills to get a better job?
Do you want to learn how to budget and make better financial decisions? Would an extra $500 a month help meet your goals?
The Community Action Organization of Western New York in partnership with Erie County Department of Social Services has developed the Harnessing Opportunities Pursuing Employment (HOPE) Initiative to support individuals seeking employment and individuals looking to advance their empowerment options to transition from public benefits to self-sufficiency. The focus is on financial literacy, workforce development and readiness, with personal and professional goal setting for a strategic approach to training and employment.
The HOPE Initiative is a pilot program in response to the Governor's Child Poverty Reduction Initiative. It is designed to guide, coach, and mentor unemployed and underemployed individuals living in the city of Buffalo who receive social services benefits such as Temporary Assistance (TA) or who are at or below 100% of the Federal Poverty guideline, have a dependent child under the age of 18 living at home, transition into employment opportunities and build economic stability
HOPE wants to help you find a job. HOPE wants to assist you in eliminating barriers that limit financial freedom. HOPE wants to help you keep your job and help advance your career. HOPE wants to give you tools to succeed.
HOPE participants will be partnered with a Life Coach to address challenges and obstacles to meeting personal goals. HOPE participants will be partnered with a Career Coach to help develop career plans and set career goals. HOPE participants will receive monthly financial incentives to promote active participation, eliminate barriers, and is a resource for families seeking economic stability.
Who is eligible to participate?
HOPE Initiative provides workforce development and employment readiness services to income eligible families. The income guidelines are established by the Department of Health and Human Services. Families who at or below 100% of the Federal Poverty line, reside in the city limits of Buffalo, and have a child(ren) under the age of 18 residing in the home are eligible for the program.
| Household Family Size | 100% Per Month |
100% Per Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,304.17 | $15,650.00 |
| 2 | $1,762.50 | $21,150.00 |
| 3 | $2,220.83 | $26,650.00 |
| 4 | $2,679.17 | $32,150.00 |
| 5 | $3,137.50 | $37,650.00 |
| 6 | $3,595.83 | $43,150.00 |
| 7 | $4,054.17 | $48,650.00 |
| 8 | $4,512.50 | $54,150.00 |
| 9 | $4,970.83 | $59,650.00 |
| 10 | $5,429.17 | $65,150.00 |
Dr. Melanie Porter
Sr. Program Manager
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Program resources will be posted here as they become available.
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Will participating in the program impact my public benefits?
NO. Income eligible participants receiving social service benefits will not lose any benefits while in the program. Eligibility requirements established by the Department of Social Services are to be maintained through the Department of Social Services.
What documentation do I need to qualify?
Participants need to provide documentation of income of all adults in the household. Income statements can include but are not limited to: paystubs, SSI/SSD award letters, pension statements, child support, etc.
Participants need to provide documentation for all residents of the household. Proof of child(ren) include birth certificates, SS card, or health insurance cards. Adults should provide photo ID (drivers license, non-driver ID, passport, etc.).
Participants need to provide proof of residency. Rental agreement, utility bill, bank statement with current address.
What is the benefit of the HOPE Initiative Program?
The HOPE Initiative is a pilot program that will provide financial incentives for active participation in employment searches, workforce readiness programs, and financial literacy training. Participants in the program will attend workshops and trainings to advance personal and professional skills. Participants will work with Life and Career Coaches to set and achieve goals. This program is designed to provide financial incentives that encourage active participation and achievement, eliminate barriers, and reinforce the training.
You will:
Be assigned a life coach to address challenges and obstacles faced and develop strategies and solutions
Be assigned a career coach to develop career plans and set career goals
Receive linkages to training programs to advance career goals
Receive workforce soft skills training to enhance on the job skills
Receive financial literacy education to help with household budgeting and money management
Be incentivized to participate in all programs and activities
What will you gain?
Monthly financial incentives for participation
Employment and/or pathways to advance in careers through promotion and increased wages
Improved economic stability and financial independence
Greater control of decisions and actions
Improved health outcomes
Empowerment and hope for a better future
A support network