O.R.D.

The Life Program

 

What is the program?  This is a federally funded program designed to promote education and employment.

Who qualifies? Ages 14-21.

What is unique about it?  They are able to help an individual get their ID, GED, College Education, Technical Training, and a job.  They contract with employers and they will insure them for $5,000 against loss due to the employee as well as pay 100% of employee wages for the first 3 months- as paid training.  This minimizes the risks to the employer.

How do I connect with this program?  This program is housed within the Department of Workforce Services but you can not find this program on the internet or in the telephone directory.  The number is 1-801-971-5450.  Mention the program by name as it is not well known.

Is there anything I should know about this program?  Know that the Department of Workforce Services is a huge organization.  Like most huge organizations, there is not a great deal of communication or awareness between departments.  You may find interacting with this agency frustrating, but be patient and appreciative.  This agency has a lot of power and a lot of resources- and its whole purpose is to help people become independent.  If you can be grateful that they are there and if you can just deal with being a number in the system while it lasts, then things should work out fine.  Just remember- when there is a problem and you need help, you can catch a lot more flies with honey than with vinegar.  And the time will come when you will not need them anymore.  Swallow your pride and go through the system that was designed to make you not need it anymore.  It is a good system, and the people who work there are just that- people. People who care enough about helping people like us that they go to work there everyday.  People who will appreciate a kind word of thanks and a smile, and may become unusually helpful as a result.