2020 Program Report: Cash Assistance

The Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), Diversionary Work Program (DWP), and Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Employment and Training Program (SNAP E&T) are three public assistance programs that share a common goal of helping families achieve wellness and economic stability and exit cash assistance. 

Employment counselors support individuals and families who receive food and cash assistance as they work to achieve their career goals. Cash assistance is available for eligible pregnant women, single individuals without children and low-income families with minor children. In most cases, eligible residents receiving temporary cash assistance must engage in work and/or educational activities.

When county offices were closed for in-person services due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Workforce Solutions employment counselors continued to serve public assistance clients to help them work toward self-sustaining employment. 

Cash Assistance:

Learn more about Cash Assistance

Gaining essential skills during the COVID-19 pandemic 

In February, twelve young adults began their journey to becoming Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) with support from Workforce Solutions. The Bridge to CNA course, taught by CLUES, provided students with information on how to prepare for the CNA training, along with skills in financial literacy, resume writing, interviewing and professionalism. The students then transitioned into a CNA training program in partnership with Hired. The training was shifted to a hybrid model when in-person sessions were no longer possible. After completing the training, the participants were able to go immediately to work in essential jobs.