GAIN (Greater Avenues for Independence) helps CalWORKs participants prepare for and find employment by offering a variety of services that assist you in becoming work ready and connects you with employers that are hiring.

Once you are approved for CalWORKs, the Department of Public Social Services will notify us that you are eligible for GAIN Services. You will receive an appointment letter for an appraisal interview with a GAIN worker to obtain information about your career goals. We can conduct this interview by telephone or in person at a time most convenient for you. If you have not received a letter yet and think you may be eligible for services, please contact our GAIN Support Center at 877.325.2211.

Depending on your household composition, you will be required to participate in a GAIN activity for 20, 30 or 35 hours per week. Your GAIN worker will discuss the number of hours required during your appraisal interview.

Yes, our partner, Los Angeles County Office of Education, offers short term training programs that may be of interest to you. There are educational activities available if you need to obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. In addition, we partner with local Community Colleges if you are interested in enrolling in post- secondary education. Your GAIN worker can provide additional information.

We have a variety of resources that can assist you in finding employment.

• We work with our partners to help you enhance your interview skills and create a resume to submit to potential employers.
• We have a team of Job Developers that work with local employers to identify job openings that we can share with you based on your skills and interest.
• We use a tool called Mploy that you can access from your phone or computer to view various job openings and track your progress towards finding employment.
• Virtual job fairs are held quarterly and you will receive an invitation to participate if you are identified as work ready.
• Your GAIN worker is your coach and will work with you to achieve your employment goals.

Yes, we can assist with the following:

• Child Care
• Work-related expenses (clothing, tools, transportation, laptops)
• Transportation (to and from your assigned GAIN activities)
• School related expenses (books, equipment, fees, laptops)

If you are designated as a mandatory participant by CalWORKs, your cash aid benefits could be reduced and case sanctioned if you do not comply with GAIN participation requirements. You can discuss your reasons for not being able to participate with your GAIN worker, who will inform you if you are eligible for an exemption.

If you have additional questions, please call our GAIN Support Center at 877.325.2211.