Stokes to use grant in job placement, services

Money from state will go to new positions, computer lab, van

By Lisa R. Boone
Winston-Salem Journal

DANBURY

Officials with Stokes County's Work First Program say they are hoping that a state-issued grant will ease some of the challenges that the rural county faces in providing job training and placement.

A Work First Demonstration Grant for $99,705 will be applied to financing the sa-la-ries of two new positions, setting up a job-search computer lab with three computers and printers, and buying a van to carry program participants, said Jan Spencer, the director of the Stokes County Department of Social Services. The grant could be renewed for up to three years.

State officials said in August that North Ca-rolina could lose up to $16.9 million in federal money if statewide participation rates don't reach at least 50 percent, making half of the welfare recipients a part of the work force.

The state approved the grant in October. Half of the grant money was transferred to the county in November. The rest will be transferred by Feb. 1, based on the county's progress. The state has issued grants with a goal of a higher statewide participation rate.