The Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) is taking another step this week to help recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly Food Stamps) in East Tennessee meet work requirements.
On Thursday, TDHS will co-sponsor a career, education and resource fair. This event will connect job seekers with employment, volunteer and education resources, including job search, resume writing, interviewing skills, college preparation, along with career planning and development. The Resource Fair is hosted in conjunction with the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development and the Mobile American Job Center.
The career fair follows September’s announcement that TDHS is reinstating the work requirement for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) who receive SNAP benefits in 70 counties, including Bledsoe, Grundy, Hamilton, Marion Sequatchie, Van Buren and Warren County, counties targeted in this Resource Fair.
Beginning Feb. 1, 2018, the ABAWD designation will require certain SNAP recipients to:
• Work or volunteer at least an average of 20 hours per week; or
• Participate in a qualified training program for an average of 20 hours a week
“We want to directly connect individuals impacted by these work requirements to opportunities that exist in their area,” said Commissioner Danielle W. Barnes. “Connecting people with jobs and educational training will help us create stronger communities which will build a thriving Tennessee.”