Neighbor News
Domestic Violence Survivor Builds Her Own Future Through TANF
Monmouth County Resident and Domestic Violence Survivor Reenters the Workforce Thanks to SNAP and TANF Services
As a domestic violence survivor, Kerrin had endured a lot in her life. But when she left her husband just last year, she was left with nothing. At the time, she was living in a women’s shelter and didn’t know where to go, who to turn to, or how anything in the world worked.
“My husband didn’t allow me to work or learn or do anything. I found myself in a situation where I was 40 years old without any life skills,” said the Monmouth County resident.
Knowing she needed help, Kerrin decided to visit the Monmouth County Division of Social Services, where she applied for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and got connected to WorkFirst New Jersey (WFNJ). In a short matter of time, WFNJ connected Kerrin to various helpful programs.
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“It was actually a very simple process,” said Kerrin. “At first I was afraid it would be overwhelming – that there would be too many applications, processes, people, but it wasn’t that way at all.”
WFNJ connected Kerrin to career-building training, helped her apply to schools, and set her up with interview skills courses. Kerrin recalled that some of the most impactful services she received were “common sense things,” or life skills education.
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“They helped me learn basic life skills that I never had the chance to learn before because of my husband,” she said.
The WFNJ team reviewed Kerrin’s school application, and soon enough, she was accepted into ACI Medical & Dental School in Eatontown, N.J. Today, Kerrin is employed as a Medical Assistant.
When asked to describe her experience, Kerrin said “seamless” and “attainable.”
“The whole process was broken down into smaller steps so that it wasn’t overwhelming. WFNJ gave me all the tools I needed in between each step so I could accomplish the goals I set for myself,” she said.
Occupational and trade training, job placement and career-building opportunities are just a few of the many life-changing services available to Monmouth County families and individuals receiving support services through Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). SNAP and TANF recipients are encouraged to call the Monmouth County Division of Social Services at 732-431-6000 x6323.
For more information on WorkFirst New Jersey, visit https://workinmonmouth.com/workfirst-new-jersey/.
