SNAP Cares aims to help former Georgia foster youth find work

SNAP Cares is an initiative created to set up young adults who were formerly part of Georgia’s foster care system with the resources they need to find stable employment and be able to support themselves. The goal of SNAP Cares is to provide short-term training to SNAP recipients to obtain an industry recognized credential and/or certificate. This will not only lessen their reliance on public assistance programs, but also get them on the path to self-sufficiency.

The program is completely free and can be completed in less than six months. Job training areas include fields like hospitality and health care.

“We don’t want young people to come out of our foster care system and find barriers to work and get stuck,” Division of Family & Children Services Director Tom Rawlings said. “That’s why we’re offering job training, education, resume writing services, job placement services and much more. Through the SNAP Cares program, you can set your own path to a much brighter future.”

To be eligible, you must meet the following qualifications:

• 18 years of age or older
• Former foster youth
• Receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits
• Not receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
• Not receiving Independent Living Program (ILP) services
• Live in one of the following counties: Bibb, Monroe, Jones, Crawford, Peach, Houston or Twiggs

Currently, Goodwill of Middle Georgia and the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) Regional Commission are providing direct training for participants of SNAP Cares. The pilot for this project is in the Macon-Bibb County area and surrounding counties. It is expected for SNAP Cares to grow statewide and to serve Georgians who desperately need these services.

To sign up, contact Goodwill of Middle Georgia & CSRA by phone at 478-703-0450, online at goodwillworks.org/snap or in person at 240 Broadway, Macon, GA 31201. If you need a ride or assistance with child care, contact Goodwill of Middle Georgia & CSRA to learn more.

For more information and updates, visit dfcs.georgia.gov/snap-works-program and watch the video below.