DPSS Annual Report 24_25 FLIP v16_compressed

Self-Sufficiency Division

CalWORKs

WELFARE TO WORK PROGRAM: “A Chance to Be an Example of What’s Possible”

Ashley Avendano began her career with Riverside County as a Work Experience volunteer after overcoming years of per sonal challenges. Her progress demon strates the purpose of Welfare to Work, which helps participants move toward long-term employment and stability. Welfare to Work is an employment path way of the California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) program. CalWORKs aims to stabilize families by connecting them to em ployment, housing and education. Staff provide strength-based support, assess individual needs, address barriers and work with participants to plan a path for ward. With employment as the focus, activities are tailored to help individuals obtain, retain and advance in the work force. Avendano said the Work Experience program helped her gain hands-on skills and demonstrate professionalism. “I have worked hard to be a person of service,” she said. “I am lucky and proud to say I participated in the Work Experi ence program, where I showed up with consistency and gratitude. I take pride in the work I do, no matter how small the task, because I have fought hard to get to this place.” With program support, she began the expungement process for past legal is sues and secured two full-time job of fers. She accepted the position as an Office Assistant with a Riverside County agency. “I am not asking for a pass; I am asking for a chance,” she said. “A chance to continue rebuilding my life, to serve my community, and to be an example of what’s possible when someone chooses to change.”

earned a permanent position with River side University Health System—Behav ioral Health after entering the program during a difficult period. She applied for CalWORKs to create stability for herself and her son and said Welfare to Work helped her move toward that goal. “Welfare to Work has transformed my life,” she said. “My journey began when I applied for CalWORKs, not because I wanted to, but because I needed to. It’s always been just me and my son. When I had my baby, my family stepped in, my dad took me to the hospital, and my mom stayed by my side, but I knew I couldn’t depend on them forever. I need ed to secure a stable future for us, and serving tables alone couldn’t provide it.” De La Torre said program staff helped her identify a more stable career path and guided her toward an opportunity in the Temporary Assignment Program, which gave her structure and a foothold in office work. She credits her super visor with encouraging her growth and reinforcing her confidence as she transi tioned into a new field. The program helped her see new possi bilities.

“I’m building the life I want for my son and me. I’m not where I want to be, but I’m on my way, and I’ll always be grateful for the people who gave me my first chance.”

Ashley Avendano

Another participant, Odalys De La Torre,

“I’m no longer just a server,” she said.

Odalys De La Torre

Riverside County Department of Public Social Services | Annual Report 2024 - 2025

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