(Seguin) — In addition to helping individuals with emergency funding, the Community Council of South- Central Texas is also doing its part to help people support themselves.
The CCSCT is seeking individuals wishing to participate in its Self-Sufficiency Fund Program which assist them in obtaining training in a variety of fields.
Mary Colvin, the Self-Sufficiency Fund program manager, says openings are now available for the job training and placement program.
“We were given a grant issued by the Texas Workforce Commission in order to get people out of poverty and have them be self-sufficient. The grant provides an education certificate for people that earn under $37,000 a year. You have to have a dependent child and you also need to have SNAP or TANEF benefits. Certifications now have changed due to COVID but we are offering medical billing and coding. We are also offering medical administrative assistants. We are offering a medication-aide program which for the medication-aide, you currently need to be a CNA and you need to be employed in a nursing home. Those three programs are offered through Coastal Bend College. We are also offering an IT class and a logistics which is a warehouse class and those classes are being offered by Alamo Colleges,” said Colvin.
Colvin says the best part of the program is that not only does it come with many benefits but it’s free.
“So, there is absolutely zero cost for this program and while you are in the program, you will receive case management services. You can also apply for utility assistance and rental assistance up to two years while you are a part of this program. So, there’s a lot to offer here,” said Colvin.
Colvin says the timeframe for the certification is not long plus in many cases, individuals will find themselves with a job.
“The benefit is the classes are not long, eight to 12 weeks top and then when you are done and you pass your exam, then we have a list of employers that are willing to do interviews and possibly hire you straight from being out of school. So, we are trying to alleviate that stress also,” said Colvin.
Colvin does ask that if people are interested in the program, that they contact her as soon as possible.
“Some of the classes are starting actually (today) for the medical classes. IT is still available. Logistics is still available but there’s always a chance that the classes can be pushed back a week or two, so I always want someone to come to me and at least inquire,” said Colvin.
Again, all classes are online and will be starting soon. Applications are available by visiting ccsct.org/program/self-sufficiency/. Those with questions are also encouraged to contact Colvin at 830-491-2585.