Bergen County Community Support Group

Community Partnership helping lift families out of poverty and into a productive economic situation

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About Bergen Community Support Group 

Empowering You: A New Support Program for Bergen County Residents

Are you a veteran or someone who’s been receiving public assistance long-term and looking to take the next step in your life or career? We’re here to help.
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Neighbors-helping-Neighbors USA (NhNUSA) and the Bergen County Workforce Development Board (BCWDB) have teamed up to offer a new community-based support program designed just for you. Through monthly meetings, workshops, and mentoring, this partnership is all about helping you build confidence, learn new skills, and connect with people who care.

What You Can Expect:

• Friendly Community Meetings: Safe spaces to share your story, meet others, and feel supported.
• Career Workshops: Learn how to write a great resume, prepare for interviews, and use digital tools to find jobs.
• Peer Mentors: Get matched with someone who’s been in your shoes and can guide you along the way.
• Job Connections: Meet local employers, explore training programs, and discover new opportunities.

Our Goal Is Simple: To help you move forward—whether that means finding a job, gaining new skills, or simply feeling more confident about your future.
You’re not alone. This program is built on community, compassion, and real results. Let’s take the next step together.

Meeting Agenda 

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Bergen County Workforce Development Board

About the BoardThe Bergen County Workforce Development Board (WDB) is composed of leaders from business, education, labor, community and faith-based organizations, and government. Members must be at least 18 years old. In keeping with the state mandate on membership requirements, at least 51% of the voting members must be from the private sector. We envision a workforce system that enhances the quality of our workforce in Bergen County and promotes a healthy economy. To this end, we will continue to develop a quality workforce for employers, as well as quality work opportunities for employees. More than 12,000 businesses serve on WDBs across America. We volunteer our time and energy to coordinate and develop workforce strategies that leverage funding and resources within our local communities and help guide the One-Stop Career Center in its work. Persons interested in serving as a committee or board member should contact the Executive Director at the WDB.

Neighbors-helping-Neighbors  

NhNUSA: A Lifeline for Career Growth and Community
​Founded 14 years ago in Bergen County during the Great Recession, NhNUSA (Neighbors-helping-Neighbors USA) emerged from the founders own experience with long-term unemployment. Today, it stands as a powerful, volunteer-driven platform for career advancement. With a robust web portal, active LinkedIn and Facebook groups, and a nationwide network of members and leaders, NhNUSA empowers professionals with the tools, support, and community they need to grow, connect, and succeed.  Bergen County has purchased a NhNUSA license to operate our model as part of this partnership

Bergen Community College

Equus Workforce Solutions® 

Currently operate and functionally oversee workforce development programs and business solutions in over 350 North American locations in Canada, 34 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands
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Job Seeker Tools

Job Search Tools

MetrixLearning

​The population of the workforce among TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) clients is diverse but shares several common characteristics based on recent data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the GAO [1] [2]:
Demographic Characteristics

• Gender: The majority of adult TANF recipients are women, often single mothers.
• Age: Most adult recipients are between 20 and 40 years old.
• Race/Ethnicity: TANF clients include a mix of racial and ethnic backgrounds, with significant representation from Black, Hispanic, and White populations, varying by state.
• Education: Many recipients have a high school diploma or less, though some have some college education or vocational training.

Employment and Workforce Participation

• Work Status: A substantial portion of TANF clients are either unemployed or underemployed. Many are engaged in work-related activities such as job search, vocational training, or subsidized employment.
• Barriers to Employment: Common challenges include lack of childcare, transportation issues, limited education or job skills, and health-related barriers.
• Work Participation Rates: States report varying levels of engagement in work activities, which include unsubsidized employment, job readiness training, and community service.

Family Composition

• TANF households typically include one adult and one or more children. Many are single-parent families, though two-parent families also receive assistance under certain conditions.

Financial Circumstances

• TANF recipients generally live below the federal poverty line and rely on cash assistance to meet basic needs. Many also receive support for housing, food, and childcare through other programs.

Would you like a breakdown by state or more details on specific workforce development programs for TANF clients?

References
[1] State TANF Data and Reports - Administration for Children and Families
[2] Temporary Assistance for Needy Families: HHS Could Facilitate ...

TANF clients often face multiple, interrelated barriers to employment that can make it difficult to secure and maintain stable work. These barriers typically fall into the following categories:

1. Educational and Skill Gaps

• Low educational attainment (e.g., no high school diploma or GED)
• Limited job skills or work experience
• Lack of digital literacy or access to technology

2. Childcare Responsibilities

• Lack of affordable, reliable childcare
• Irregular work hours that don’t align with childcare availability
• Special needs children requiring additional care

3. Transportation Challenges

• No access to a car or public transportation
• Unreliable or unsafe transportation options
• Long commutes from affordable housing to job centers

4. Health and Mental Health Issues

• Physical disabilities or chronic illnesses
• Mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety
• Substance use disorders

5. Housing Instability

• Homelessness or frequent moves
• Living in unsafe or overcrowded conditions
• Lack of a permanent address, which complicates job applications

6. Criminal Records

• Past convictions that limit job opportunities
• Stigma from employers
• Legal restrictions on certain types of employment

7. Domestic Violence and Trauma

• Current or past abuse affecting mental health and safety
• Need for confidentiality and relocation
• Legal entanglements (e.g., custody battles)

8. Language and Cultural Barriers

• Limited English proficiency
• Cultural unfamiliarity with U.S. workplace norms
• Immigration status concerns

9. Systemic and Structural Barriers

• Discrimination based on race, gender, or disability
• Lack of access to supportive services
• Complex bureaucracy in navigating assistance programs

​Several programs and strategies have been developed to help TANF clients overcome employment barriers. These initiatives aim to provide holistic support that addresses both immediate needs and long-term career development. Here are some of the most impactful ones:

1. WorkFirst ProgramsThese state-level programs (like Washington’s WorkFirst) integrate TANF with workforce development services. They offer:

• Job search assistance
• Vocational training
• Support for health-related challenges through Individual Responsibility Plans (IRPs) [1]

2. Integrated Support ServicesPrograms increasingly combine TANF with other forms of assistance, such as:

• Childcare subsidies
• Transportation vouchers
• Housing support
• Mental health and substance abuse counseling

This holistic approach helps stabilize families so they can focus on employment [2].

3. Education and Training InitiativesSome states and nonprofits offer:

• GED and adult education programs
• Short-term credentialing and certificate programs
• Apprenticeships and on-the-job training

These help TANF clients gain skills for in-demand, family-sustaining jobs [2].

4. Trauma-Informed and Barrier-Sensitive Case ManagementCaseworkers are trained to recognize and respond to:

• Domestic violence
• Mental health issues
• Learning disabilities

This leads to more personalized and effective employment plans [3].

5. Employer Partnerships and Subsidized EmploymentPrograms partner with employers to:

• Create transitional jobs
• Offer wage subsidies
• Provide mentorship and coaching

This helps clients gain experience while reducing employer risk [2].

6. Policy Innovations and Best PracticesOrganizations like Jobs for the Future (JFF) and APHSA recommend:

• Expanding allowable work activities
• Reducing sanctions for noncompliance
• Aligning TANF with broader economic development strategies [2]​

References
[1] TANF and WorkFirst
[2] Seven Ways to Improve TANF and Help Families Advance
[3] Improving TANF Program Outcomes for Families With Barriers to Employment