Employment, Advancement, and Retention Network (EARN)
About the Program
The Employment, Advancement, and Retention Network (EARN) program was created in 1987 to address the needs of public benefit recipients with barriers to employment, and to better coordinate existing employment and training programs available to them. Participants receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits are assigned participation hours by the County Assistance Office.
The EARN program helps promote barrier remediation, job readiness, and life skills, ensuring participants are fully job-ready upon completion. Instruction includes time management, organizational skills, personal responsibility, cover letter writing, and resume writing to help participants find a career.
The program also operates the EARN Closet, a dual-purpose initiative where participants gain valuable skills while contributing to the community by providing clothing and essential items. The EARN Program builds partnerships between participants and local businesses to foster employment opportunities.
Counties served: Bedford, Blair, and Fulton.
Program Requirements
- Direct referral from the Department of Human Services County Assistance Office.