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Skills and Training to Achieve Readiness for Tomorrow (START)

We are excited to announce that GROW Program has been renamed to Skills and Training to Achieve Readiness for Tomorrow Program (START)! START provides employment and training services to help customers obtain training, education, and job opportunities. You will be assigned to a START Worker who will help you to achieve your employment goals. While participating in START you will be assigned to activities such as Vocational Assessment, Skills for Work, Career Opportunities Resources and Employment, or Education and Training. START helps with transportation costs and job-related expenses, such as supplies or uniforms. Substance Use Disorder and Domestic Violence services are also available to you through the START Program.

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Your First Case Manager Appointment

During your first Case Manager Appointment (CMA), you and your START Worker (SW) will complete a Career Assessment to gather information regarding your skills, work history, education, etc. This information is used to help identify your employment goals. Then, your SW will inform you about your work requirements and what START has to offer.

 

 

Orientation
 

Please watch the short Orientation video (or listen by telephone) before your appointment with your SW, then inform your SW at your appointment that you completed the orientation. Completing the orientation will help you understand the program before meeting with your SW. The orientation provides an overview of the START Program, services available, participation requirements, and benefits of participation and employment. 

You can complete Orientation by:

  • Calling (866) 488-8482 Monday through Friday from 8:00am - 5:00pm; or
  • Watching the video using the link below.

This program was formerly known as GROW. The video and audio will be updated to the new program name in the future.

View the Orientation
 

 

START Learning
 

A 20-hour virtual activity that helps participants gain and build job readiness skills to further their employment opportunities through a series of online videos. To watch these videos, click the link below.

View the DPSS START Learning Work Ready Videos

 

 

Supervised Job Search Activity
 

Participants complete 20 job searches using the START 85 (START Supervised Job Search Assignment) form. You may download the form using the link below.

Download the START 85 (START Supervised Job Search Assignment) form

Your START Worker may be able to help you with transportation costs and other job-related expenses to help you complete your assigned activity.

START Activities

Educational Services

  • Education/Training
  • Vocational Assessment
  • Literacy
  • High School Equivalency Test 
  • Self-Initiated Program 

 

Youth Services

  • START Transition-Age Youth Employment Program
  • START Youth Employment Program 
  • TAYportunity Program

 

Training Services

  • Short-Term Training 
  • Office Occupations 
  • Security Officer Training

 

Employment Development Services

  • Career Opportunities Resources and Employment 
  • One-Stop/WorkSource
  • Interactive Case Management 
  • Job Development 
  • Post-Employment Services

 

Supportive Services

  • Domestic Violence and Substance Use Disorder
  • Expungement 
  • Transportation and Ancillary Expenses
CalFresh Employment and Training Logo

Funding provided in part by United States Department of Agriculture. USDA is an Equal Opportunity Provider, Employer and Lender.

Apply On-Line with BenefitsCal

The easiest and quickest way is to apply for General Relief online at BenefitsCal.

Apply by Telephone for CalFresh and Medi-Cal
You can apply by phone. Call the Customer Service Center (CSC) (866) 613-3777 to have an application mailed to you.
Apply In Person
You can apply In person at any Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) District Office or outreach site.