DPSS UNVEILS NEW NAME FOR GROW PROGRAM: INTRODUCING THE START PROGRAM

The Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) General Relief Opportunities to Work (GROW) Program that provides employment and training services to help employable General Relief (GR) participants obtain jobs and eliminate the need for County benefits, has a new name.

The new and improved name of the program is START, an acronym for Skills and Training to Achieve Readiness for Tomorrow. The START Program will persist in its mandatory participation requirement for all GR able-bodied adults, each of whom will be assigned to a dedicated case manager to assist them in achieving their employment aspirations.

“Our new name, START, is a more accurate representation of our program's goals and objectives,” shared DPSS Director Jackie Contreras. “This name change signifies our unyielding commitment to equipping our participants with the necessary skills and training to meet the demands of tomorrow's workforce.”

Contreras further highlighted that the START Program will extend support for transportation costs and job-related expenses, including but not limited to supplies and uniforms. Crucially, the program also provides access to essential services such as mental health counseling, substance use disorder treatments, and domestic violence services.

To learn more about the START Program, visit the DPSS webpage at Skills and Training to Achieve Readiness for Tomorrow (START) (lacounty.gov).