Work First is the State of Michigan’s program designed to find employment for welfare recipients so that they can become independent of welfare assistance. In 1998, Work First put 62,783 people in Michigan to work! Work First customers receive employability skill training, counseling, barrier removal services and assistance with placement into unsubsidized employment. All Work First participants must be referred to the Work First/Welfare to Work program by the Family Independence Agency (FIA).

The State of Michigan requires the FIA and SEMCA contractors to concentrate on getting the recipient back into the workforce. If the customer meets program criteria, your SEMCA Provider can assist with car repairs, uniforms, childcare registration, transportation services, job search and job readiness. Life skills workshops to help people get a job and then retain that job are also offered.

Return on Investment
Every dollar invested in workforce development is returned almost immediately in avoided welfare, food stamps and Unemployment Insurance (UI) costs, plus new revenues generated through tax dollars.

Here’s how we know: If someone receives welfare, the cost to Michigan taxpayers averages $6,924.00 per year for an average family size of 3. After training and placement, costing an average of $3,953.00, the adult served will earn an average of $17,014.40 in the first year of employment and pay $3,300.79 in state and federal taxes. That’s $10,224.79 in combined avoided costs and new revenues
or
$2.59 back for every dollar invested!

A laid-off worker collecting UI in Michigan receives an average of $7,800.00 if he/she collects for the maximum amount of time allowed. The same individual, after training and job placement services costing an average of $4,414.00, will earn an average of $21,964.80 in the first year of employment and pay $4,261.17 in state and federal taxes. That’s $12,061.17 in combined avoided cost and new revenues
or
$2.73 back for every dollar invested!

In October 1994, when Work First was implemented, the welfare caseload in Michigan was 213,083. By December 1998, Michigan’s welfare caseload had dropped to 123,392. Each welfare case costs Michigan taxpayers an average of $6,924.00 per year: the average amount spent to place a Work First participant in employment is $1,264.00. From October 1994 to December 1998, Michigan avoided approximately $621,020,484.00 in welfare costs or received -
$5.48 back for every Work First dollar invested!

Work First assistance can be obtained at any of the five SEMCA Michigan Works! Service Centers or at the Hammtramck Work First Center.

Click on a name below to view
information about each One Stop Center.

• Arab Community Center for
  Economic and Social Services, Dearborn
• Downriver Community Conference, Southgate
• Employment & Training
  Designs, Inc., Wayne
• Employment & Training
  Designs, Inc., Highland Park
• Monroe County
  Employment & Training, Monroe

Program Summary/Purpose:

• Aids a welfare recipient to become financially independent by helping them upgrade their skills and connect with employer paid employment.

Program Participants:

• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) applicants and recipients

Program Components:

• Joint Orientation to Work First (Program overview, expectations presentation)
• Primarily Job Search Services (Assessment, Resume Preparation, Interviewing Skills, Phone Techniques, etc.)
• Other employment activities
• Post employment training

Program Partner:

• Family Independence Agency (FIA)

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