Bergen County Community Partnership

Community Partnership form with the goal of helping lift families out of poverty
​and into a productive economic situation

​

Description of the partnership and its goals:

Empowering Lives: Community Meetings to Support Long-Term Welfare Recipients and Veterans in Bergen County

Neighbors-helping-Neighbors USA (NhNUSA) and the Bergen County Workforce Development Board (BCWDB) have formed a strategic partnership to support long-term welfare recipients and veterans in Bergen County through a series of community-based meetings and workshops. This initiative aims to foster career readiness, personal growth, and community reintegration by leveraging NhNUSA’s proven peer-led support model and BCWDB’s workforce development resources.
​
Goals of the Partnership:
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• Build Community Engagement: Create safe, supportive environments for participants to connect and grow.
• Enhance Workforce Readiness: Deliver practical training in resume writing, interview skills, and digital literacy.
• Foster Peer Mentorship: Empower former welfare recipients and volunteers to guide others through mentorship.
• Promote Long-Term Self-Sufficiency: Link participants to employers, training programs, and essential services.

Together, NhNUSA and BCWDB aim to reduce dependency on public assistance, increase employment outcomes, and strengthen community support networks across Bergen County. This partnership will be reaching out to other county based organizations and volunteers to help with this effort.
​

Bergen County Workforce Development Board

About the Board

The 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.
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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.
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Integrating trauma-informed coaching into your work with NhNUSA, leadership development, and mentoring can deepen the impact,

Here are a few tailored ideas to help you get started:

🔧 Ways to Integrate Trauma-Informed Coaching into NhNUSA Career Mentoring

• Train volunteer mentors in trauma-informed principles to better support job seekers facing emotional or psychological barriers.
• Create workshops on resilience, emotional regulation, and self-worth for members navigating unemployment or career transitions.
• Develop referral pathways to mental health professionals for members needing deeper support.

2. Leadership Development Programs

• Embed trauma-awareness into leadership training modules—especially around empathy, communication, and conflict resolution.
• Teach nervous system regulation tools to help leaders manage stress and support their teams more effectively.
• Use somatic practices (like breathwork or grounding) during sessions to model self-regulation.

3. Adjunct Faculty Role

• Incorporate trauma-informed pedagogy into your classroom—e.g., flexible deadlines, safe spaces for discussion, and awareness of student stress responses.
• Model compassionate leadership for students studying management, HR, or organizational behavior.

​
4. Community Engagement & Nonprofit Work

• Train volunteers and staff in trauma-informed approaches to improve service delivery.
• Host public webinars or panels on trauma-informed leadership and coaching.

📘 Suggested Next Steps

• Create a pilot program within NhNUSA or your leadership courses to test trauma-informed methods.
• Collaborate with therapists or somatic practitioners to co-host events or trainings.

​

Bergen Community College

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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

Job Seeker Tools

Job Search Tools

Bergen Co Link

​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.

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
​

​Trauma-informed coaching offers a powerful and compassionate approach to personal and professional development. Here are the key benefits of trauma-informed coaching:

🌱 1. Creates a Safe and Supportive Environment

• Coaches are trained to recognize signs of trauma and respond with empathy.
• Clients feel emotionally safe, reducing fear, shame, or judgment.
• Builds trust, which is essential for meaningful growth.

🧠 2. Enhances Self-Awareness and Emotional Regulation

• Helps clients understand how trauma affects thoughts, behaviors, and emotions.
• Teaches tools for nervous system regulation (e.g., breathwork, grounding).
• Encourages mindfulness and body awareness.

🔄 3. Promotes Healing and Resilience

• Supports clients in processing past experiences without re-traumatization.
• Encourages strength-based approaches that highlight resilience.
• Facilitates post-traumatic growth and empowerment.

🧩 4. Integrates Somatic and Neurobiological Insights

• Uses knowledge of the brain-body connection (e.g., polyvagal theory).
• Helps clients reconnect with their bodies and intuition.
• Addresses trauma stored in the body through gentle, somatic practices.

🧭 5. Improves Goal Setting and Motivation

• Trauma-informed coaches help clients set realistic, aligned goals.
• Reduces self-sabotage and internalized limiting beliefs.
• Encourages progress at a pace that respects the client’s nervous system.

🤝 6. Encourages Collaboration and Referrals

• Coaches know when to refer clients to therapists or other professionals.
• Promotes a holistic support system for healing and growth.
• Fosters interdisciplinary care and ethical boundaries.

🧘 7. Supports Coaches’ Own Growth

• Coaches often undergo personal healing as part of training.
• Builds emotional intelligence and compassion.
• Prevents burnout by teaching self-regulation and boundaries.

​

​Here’s a curated list of workforce development experts, organizations, and programs that specialize in helping TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) clients overcome barriers and secure sustainable employment:

🧠 Experts & Consultants

1. Hillary Frances – Workforce Development Consultant featured in Switchboard’s webinar. She specializes in a strengths-based approach to helping clients overcome employment barriers such as limited English proficiency, transportation, and lack of credentials [1].
2. Daniel Wilkinson – Program Manager for Economic Empowerment at Switchboard. He has facilitated training and webinars focused on helping refugee and TANF populations navigate employment challenges [1].

🏢 Organizations Specializing in TANF Workforce Programs

1. Maximus
   • A leading provider of welfare-to-work services since 1988.
   • Offers AI-enhanced job placement, goal-oriented coaching, and whole-family support.
   • Works with TANF, SNAP, and Medicaid programs to help clients meet work requirements and achieve upward mobility [2].
2. Diversified Services Network (DSN)
   • Provides TANF policy and program services to state and county governments.
   • Focuses on program modernization, barrier reduction, and holistic family support including mental health, transportation, childcare, and housing [3].

📚 Research & Case Studies

1. Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP)
   • Offers in-depth research on barriers faced by TANF recipients, including mental health, domestic violence, education, and language proficiency.
   • Highlights the need for multi-barrier support strategies to improve employment outcomes [4].
2. Mathematica & MEF Associates – State TANF Case Studies
   • Documented 9 innovative programs across the U.S. that support TANF clients through:
     • Wraparound services
     • Transitional housing
     • Employment-based interventions
     • Community collaborations
   • Examples include:
     • Climb Wyoming – Employment training for single mothers.
     • New Moms Inc. (Chicago) – Job training and housing for young mothers.
     • Solutions for Change (San Diego) – Housing and workforce development for homeless families [5].

References
[1] Helping Clients Overcome Employment Barriers - Switchboard
[2] Work requirements for TANF, SNAP, Child Support, and Medicaid
[3] TANF Policy & Program Services | Diversified Services Network, Inc.
[4] Improving TANF Program Outcomes for Families With Barriers to ...
[5] State Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Case Studies ...

​To advance workers and the bottom line, employers act on benefits cliff 

Why is the Fed engaged in community development?Stable communities promote a more robust ​economyThrough applied research, public programs, outreach and technical assistance, Federal Reserve community development teams help promote economic growth and financial stability in low- and moderate-income communities across the country.

​For your interest in developing a low-income economic training program in New Jersey, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York has several relevant contacts and initiatives that could be helpful:
📌 Key Contact

• David Erickson, Ph.D.
  Senior Vice President & Head of Outreach & Education
  He leads the New York Fed’s Outreach & Education division, which includes community development efforts focused on economic opportunity for underserved communities [1].

🧭 Relevant Programs & Resources

1. Community Development & Education Division
   This team works to understand and improve the economic experiences of lower-income households and communities. They host events, publish research, and convene stakeholders to promote economic opportunity [2].
2. Economic Education Initiatives
   The New York Fed offers professional development for educators, classroom visits, and resources like lesson plans and comic books to enhance financial literacy. These could be adapted or partnered with for your training program [3].
3. CDFI Engagement
   The Fed collaborates with Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) to expand access to capital and services in underserved areas. This could be a strategic avenue for funding or partnership [2].

📞 How to Reach Out
​           You can contact the Outreach & Education team directly through the New York Fed’s main line:

• Phone: (212) 720-5000
• Website Contact Page: New York Fed Contacts

David Erickson, Ph.D.
Senior Vice President & Head of Outreach & Education
Tel: (212) 720-6141[email protected]

References
[1] Contacts - FEDERAL RESERVE BANK of NEW YORK
[2] Community Development & Education - Federal Reserve Bank of New York
[3] Economic Education - Federal Reserve Bank of New York