With a program name like "Employment First" you would think employment would be a priority.

[Sub Atomic]

Let me explain.

I now find myself back on food stamps for a 2nd time in 12 months. Part of Colorado's Food Stamp program is a requirement for able-bodied adults to participate in the Colorado Employment First program. This program requires me to work 27 (unpaid) hours a month, record a minimum of 12 job contacts per month and attend monthly meetings.

If you fail to attend your monthly meeting, you get sanctioned and have to spend a day listening to why you're unemployed (lazy and unintelligent were the words that were used) and work additional hours (unpaid). You may (probably) also lose your food stamps for at least a month.

I missed an appointment because I was in an interview. I had to go sit for 8 hours listening to how I'm stupid and lazy and that's why I can't find work. This morning I had to go to my case worker to show her that I worked the extra 8 hours whereafter she signed me off and gave me my appointment for next month.

During the time I was waiting for her to arrive (late) for my appointment, I listened as 3 other people spoke about having an interview at the same time as their food stamp appointment. Apparently, Employment First considers actual employment (or an interview to attain such employment) a negative thing. They do not allow food stamp recipients to attend job interviews when they have a scheduled appointment with their case worker. I was told by my case worker that if an employer wants to interview me at the same time as a food stamp appointment, I am to tell the employer that I am not available.

Now I don't know about anyone else's job search, but I'm finding that if I tell an employer that I'm not available to come to an interview when they want me there, it's not likely they're going to hire me, lest I show the same disregard for their schedule as I have for their interview availability.

So I guess the Colorado Food Stamp Program really doesn't want me to find work, even though their forced-work program "Employment First" sounds like they value employment in some way.

Having to apply for food stamps is demoralizing enough. Being told that a job interview isn't a priority and I'll be penalized for going to one (if I have an appointment! at the same time) sure as hell doesn't help.

</rant>

[Donnachaidh]

1. I'll bet the local ACLU would love to hear of this sort of nonsense

It seems as if this program is in place to keep THEM employed, by forcing unemployed people to jump thru really unreasonable hoops. I'd love to see what an aclu lawyer would say about this bullshit.

[Sub Atomic]

4. But what happens to us "welfare queens" is of no consequence to anyone.

The classes that you're forced to endure are demeaning to everyone that has to be there.

Nobody gives a shit about what happens to us. Nobody.

[Donnachaidh]

7. I'd still like to know what the aclu has to say

It seems that some of those rules are set in place to torpedo your chances of getting a job/ or getting food stamps. Government agencies are NOT allowed to do this sort of bullshit.

Call them, just for chuckles. See what they have to say.

[Donnachaidh]

2. dupe. n/t

[ck4829]

3. This program is counterproductive at best, just plain sabotaging employment opportunities at worst

Who let these Clown College rejects become case workers anyway?

Humiliation, stress, and trying to take priority over other activities won't help people find careers or even temporary jobs. Just that simple.

K&R.

[Sub Atomic]

5. Exactly.

I already feel like shit for having to go on food stamps.

Kicking me (and everyone else) when we're down is sadistic.

[Blue Owl]

6. File this with No Child Left Behind and Clear Skies Initiative

mumbo-jumbo hokum masking some form of corporate takeover behind the scenes.