Tompkins County Receives Welfare-to-Work Grant

Albany, N.Y.-- The Tompkins County Department of Social Services is one of 33 agencies statewide being awarded welfare-to-work funding through the state’s "Wheels for Work" program, State Senator George H. Winner, Jr. (R-C, Elmira) said today.

The state is distributing $4 million through the latest round of funding to help counties and not-for-profit organizations assist lower-income families and individuals access the transportation that’s often necessary for them to secure and retain employment.

Winner said that the Tompkins County Department of Social Services is being awarded a $75,953 grant to assist individuals and families in the county.

"Purchasing and maintaining a reliable car is often one of the most difficult obstacles to overcome for someone trying to move off the welfare rolls and into the workforce. The ‘Wheels to Work’ initiative has helped thousands of welfare recipients find work, become more self-sufficient and sustain their employment," Winner said. "It’s been a worthwhile program, and I’m pleased that lower-income workers and families in Tompkins County will continue to benefit from it."

Under the program, vehicles can be donated to local services agencies or participating non-profit groups, and low-interest loans can be granted to assist in the purchase of a vehicle. The program also makes additional services available, including car repair, access to affordable insurance, and registration and licensing assistance, as well as educational services such as car maintenance training, defensive driving and driver’s education.

Winner said that the Wheels to Work program has become a key effort in the state’s welfare-to-work movement. Last year more than 2,600 New Yorkers were assisted. Since the program was established four years ago, more than 900 vehicles have been purchased or donated, over 700 auto loans have been granted and upwards of 800 car repairs have been made.

Those eligible for the program, which is administered through the state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA), include Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) eligible individuals, Family Assistance recipients, and families whose income is at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level.