CalWORKs celebrates 6 program participants

A handful of participants in the CalWORKs program, which helps families pull out of poverty, were applauded recently at a “Champions” celebration in Escondido.

The event highlighted the hard work and resilience of six participants in North County who overcame significant obstacles ranging from substance use disorder to homelessness and rebuilt their lives and now have steady employment.

The sixth annual event was put on by San Diego CalWORKs employment partner Equus Workforce Solutions, a provider of workforce development services headquartered in Louisville, Ky.

Equus has been working since 2005 as a partner with CalWORKs, which stands for California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids, a public assistance program that provides cash aid and services to eligible families.

Each month, the CalWORKs program supports more than 1,200 families in North County.

Along with honoring the outstanding group of North County participants, the event recognized three employer and community partners who provide employment and professional development opportunities for CalWORKs participants and highlighted the work of the CalWORKs program funded by San Diego County Health & Human Services Agency to support families throughout the community.

During the event, San Diego CalWORKs participants and employer partners shared their experiences working with the program and “Champions” told their stories of adversity and the help they received to achieve self-sufficiency.

“I was an addict, and I was struggling to find work. Through assistance, counseling and the family at Equus I have been able to become clean and sober and work on a better lifestyle, not just for me but for my family in order to brighten our future,” said one of this year’s North County CalWORKs Champions.

“Our participants’ stories are a testament to the human spirit and the unwavering determination to succeed, no matter what obstacles come our way,” said Priscilla Zuniga, Equus project director.