POUGHKEEPSIE – Seven Dutchess County families received car keys from County Executive Sue Serino on Tuesday. The “gently used” vehicles were provided to qualifying individuals who participated in the “Way to Work” employment empowerment program.
The program, formerly known as “Wheels to Work”, is a partnership formed in 2001 between the County Department of Community and Family Services (DCFS) and the Dutchess County Workforce Investment Board. “Way to Work” assists residents receiving, or eligible to receive, public assistance in getting reliable transportation. The program participants earned a used vehicle to help them obtain and retain employment; acquire jobs with more hours or higher pay; gain access to higher education; increase their wage potential or take their children to and from school.
“Way to Work” is designed to help low-income Dutchess County residents get and keep a job, by providing them with reliable transportation to and from work. Qualified participants must come from a family that receives TANF or whose family income is less than 200 percent of the poverty level.
“This is one of my favorite programs,” Serino said. “It’s really amazing how these cars – this program changes their lives.” Serino, who presented each recipient with the keys to their vehicle, said, “For parents to be successful and raise healthy families, reliable transportation is key – whether it’s to get to and from work, to take their children to medical appointments or to other school or family commitments.” The program, according to the county executive, is a way to help families flourish.
Program recipients are chosen based on their work-related need for transportation, have a temporary need for assistance, and other specific program guidelines. In addition, they must display the perseverance and the commitment necessary to take steps toward financial independence, according to the program guidelines. The program offers various components, including connections to public transit options, financial literacy, and car care literacy seminars, a financial boot camp workshop, a credit score workshop, vehicle registration services, and vehicle insurance services.
DCFS’s approach to helping transition residents to work and off TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) is a multi-faceted one that includes work skills training, daycare subsidies for eligible families, and the “Way to Work” program provided under contract by the county Workforce Investment Board.
“Way to Work” provides vehicles from local used car dealers to eligible individuals and provides participants training – such as car care and defensive driving – as well as assistance in obtaining a learner’s permit or driver’s license.
For every family that earns a car and no longer needs temporary assistance, Dutchess County saves $1,614 a month, according to Serino’s office. Within a year, that savings equals the cost of a used car. Since the program’s inception, 90 percent of vehicle recipients have remained independent from temporary assistance.
DCFS Commissioner Sabrina Jaar Marzouka said, “Dutchess County residents who are looking for a better life – and who commit to making it a reality – have found success through ‘Way to Work’ for more than 20 years. Our department is so proud of the program and the families it has empowered, as they’re examples of the lives DFCS enhances each day.”
The program has benefited more than 3,500 families since 2001, providing 927 cars, along with registration and car insurance deposits. Additionally, 318 county residents have gained their New York State learner’s permit; 1,082 people participated in driving experience classes; 523 individuals completed the five-hour, pre-licensing class; 497 passed their state road test and earned a driver’s license; and 776 vehicle repairs were approved on behalf of program participants.
An informational brochure about “Way to Work,” including eligibility criteria and requirements for each component of the program, is available on the DCWIB website. Potential applicants can also email taylor@dcwib.org for more details.
