Virginia Initiative for Employment Not Welfare (VIEW) provides job readiness, job search, and job development/placement services to mandated recipients of Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF).
Federal and State regulations mandate participation in the VIEW program for the majority of TANF recipients. VIEW participants work with their individual social workers to devise a plan or job search, education training, and/or volunteer placement that will lead to unsubsidized, full-time employment.
The establishment of partnerships with local employers enables the VIEW staff to develop placements for specific program participants. In addition, VIEW staff work one-on-one with participants to address personal and family difficulties which may impact employability. Employment is monitored for a minimum of 6 months for support and help with any problems which may negatively impact success on the job.
Participants in the program receive supportive services such as day care and transportation assistance if necessary to support their VIEW activities and employment. Since there is a two-year time limit on receipt of TANF, gainful employment sufficient to support a family is critical to this population. Full- and part-time job opportunities are always sought, and employers with job openings are encouraged to call the VIEW program at (757) 385-3240 or (757) 385-3234.
VIEW participants who are employed and no longer receive TANF are eligible for 12 months of transitional services. They may continue to receive day care services, although a monthly copayment, based on their income, is required. In addition, transportation services may be available to them, based on need, cost, and available funding. Transportation services can include money for car repairs, bus tickets, and payment to a private transportation provider. Transportation is a major barrier to ongoing employment for VIEW program participants.
Concerned citizens can help in the effort to expand transportation alternatives to the VIEW population. A nonprofit organization, Keys Inc., accepts donated vehicles in need of mechanical repairs. The repaired cars are purchased by eligible, employed VIEW participants with the help of their local Social Services Department. Keys Inc. can be reached at (757) 466-3090. Persons with knowledge of car mechanics can also help by volunteering their time to examine used cars to be purchased by VIEW participants.
Call (757) 385-3240 or (757) 385-3234 to receive assistance.