CalWORKs Greater Avenues for Independence (GAIN) is part of the Riverside County Department of Public Social Services. This division assists applicants and recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) to become self-sufficient. Adults who receive cash assistance and are able to work are registered with GAIN when their aid is approved.
Work First (Phase 1)
All participants are encouraged to start working as soon as possible in a job commensurate with their abilities. This phase includes an emphasis on job search and job readiness assistance, identifying and overcoming barriers to employment, and the focused use of adult basic education and on-the-job training.
Work Plus (Phase 2)
Participants who are employed move on to Phase 2. Here the focus is on reducing poverty by job retention, career planning, and development of a training and education plan. Innovative service delivery by various education and training providers for working parents is pivotal to this phase. These service providers include the Riverside County Economic Development Agency’s Workforce Development Board, the Housing Authority of the County of Riverside, the four local community colleges, the Riverside County Office of Education, local adult schools, and other public and private organizations.
Post Assistance (Phase 3)
Former CalWORKs GAIN recipients may receive services needed to promote job retention and continued career advancement. The focus of Phase 3 is overcoming barriers, maintaining employment, and remaining independent of cash aid.