GLENDALE–In Glendale and Burbank alone more than 15,000 persons whose primary language is Armenian are welfare recipients. Under welfare reform which became a federal law in August of 1996–those who are not children–the elderly–or subject to six-month waivers for special problems must achieve self-sufficiency sometime in the year 2000 or 2001.
During 1998–the majority will be required to meet with a welfare caseworker to develop a plan and a series of activities toward meeting this obligation. Those who start to prepare themselves soon will have an easier entry into the labor market than those who postpone action.
The Verdugo Private Industry Council provides free government-funded job training and placement services to people seeking work in the community. The PIC is a non-profit organization which represents the cities of Glendale–Burbank and La Canada-Flintridge.
There are a number of incentives for employers to coordinate their hiring of new employees with the PIC program. Employers can receive up to an $8,500 tax credit if they hire an applicant (a current welfare recipient) who meets the requiremen’s of the state Work Opportunity Tax Credit program. Also–the PIC can help employers cut their recruitment costs by providing a pool of pre-screened candidates selected specifically to meet their needs–and the PIC can support training of the new workers on the job–reimbursing employers up to 50 percent of a new worker’s wages during their training.
For more information about the Verdugo Private Industry Council–call (818)548-2053. For information in English only–ask for Sandra Greenstein. For information in Armenian–ask for Armineh Hoonanian Dilanian.