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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 employable General Relief (GR) customers obtain jobs and eliminate the need for GR benefits. Participation in START is mandatory as a condition of aid. 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.

Orientation

Orientation is the first activity in START. It provides an overview of the START Program, services available, participation requirements, and benefits of participation and employment. Completing orientation will help you understand the program before meeting with your START Worker.    

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.

Please inform your START Worker you completed Orientation at your first appointment. 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

Case Management

During your first Case Manager Appointment (CMA), a Career Assessment is completed to gather information regarding your skills, work history, education, etc. This information is used to help identify your employment goals and the next START activity that will help you reach those goals. You will continue to receive CMAs to discuss your progress and determine your next 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 of 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.