Ok. This is what I found.
http://www.erie.gov/depts/socialservices/
If you click on the
Comprehensive Employment Division link, you'll read:
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> The Comprehensive Employment Division [CED] of the Erie County Department of Social Services provides integrated employment and training services for Temporary Assistance clients and Non-Temporary Assistance Food Stamp recipients.
In addition, services are available for recipients who request services and non-custodial parents of a TANF-eligible child.
CED provides assessments, job skills training, day care services, substance abuse treatment monitoring, and coordinates Workfare assignments.
ECDSS utilizes a 'Work First' approach to welfare reform and expects all clients capable of work to enter employment at the earliest time possible. Work First initiates immediate job search upon application and prior to cases being opened, and mandatory participation in 'Job Clubs' - which are supervised and specific group job searches.
If the initial job search activities fail to result in employment, Workfare; a short-term vocational training, community service or other employment assignment is required for all active clients.</div></div>
It does say further down: <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Low-income families who are employed and earning less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Level may be eligible for day care assistance. </div></div>
However, if you sign up now for Works First that may cut down that 2-3 week employment. Also, since you are now actively seeking employment you may qualify for financial assistance - which is up to 5 years for families with children. A helluva lot more than you get in my state which has a very similar program called Ohio Works First.
Under Temporary Assistance, it reads: <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">ECDSS employees work collaboratively with every client to overcome barriers and obstacles to help achieve economic self-reliance. </div></div>
You have some definite barriers to overcome. Just go in and apply - ask for a copy of your rights and responsibilities - I wasn't able to access it...the page wouldn't load. Talk to a supervisor or something.
These programs WANT to help those that want to work.