If you are receiving Food Assistance (SNAP) in Arapahoe or Douglas County, you may be eligible for the Employment First Program. This program may help you in finding a job, getting career training, on-the-job-training or new skills to enhance your employability. Participants get access to intensive job search services, tuition assistance, community resources and additional services like transportation, books, supplies and interview/work clothing, as appropriate.
To find out if you are eligible for SNAP, contact your local human services department or complete a PEAK application.
Arapahoe County:
We have options for both in-person and virtual orientation that place on Thursdays. Please contact us at (303) 636-1277 or fill out our online form to schedule a virtual orientation appointment.
Employment First Orientation
All participants must be registered with Connecting Colorado in order to receive workforce development supportive services through Arapahoe/Douglas Works!. Please register with Connecting Colorado prior to your orientation date at connectingcolorado.com.
Douglas County:
We have options for both in-person and virtual orientation that place on Thursdays. Please contact us at (720) 874-7014 or fill out our online form to schedule a virtual orientation appointment.
Employment First Orientation
All participants must be registered with Connecting Colorado in order to receive workforce development supportive services through Arapahoe/Douglas Works!. Please register with Connecting Colorado prior to your orientation date at connectingcolorado.com.
ABAWDs (Able Bodied Adults Without Dependents):
With the passage of the Fiscal Responsibility Act in June 2023, the federal government has changed the work requirements for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients who are considered able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs). ABAWDs are people who are:
- Between the ages of 18 and 52;
- Not disabled; and
- Not living with a child under the age of 18.
In order to maintain SNAP eligibility, ABAWDs must participate in a work activity 20 hours a week (80 hours a month). ABAWDs can only receive SNAP benefits for more than three months within a three-year period — known as the time limit — if they meet the work requirement or are otherwise exempt. Employment First can help you meet this work requirement as you continue on your career journey.
More Information:
Job Search Workshops
Resource Guide
Professional Assessments
ArapaSource
PEAK Assistance
CDHS Employment First