SANTA FE – The New Mexico Human Services Department announced beginning today, HELP New Mexico, Inc. (HELPNM) will begin statewide administration of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Employment and Training (E&T) program, in coordination with HSD.

SNAP E&T is available to all SNAP customers between the ages of 16 and 59, who are not receiving cash benefits through HSD, applying for or receiving unemployment compensation benefits, and who are able and willing to work upon completion of the program.

“The goal of the Employment and Training program is to help SNAP customers gain skills and find work that moves them towards self-sufficiency,” said Angela Medrano, HSD Deputy Secretary.

The E&T program provides an assessment, development of an employment plan, educational and training components and support services to help participants prepare for, enter and advance in the workplace.

Recognizing holistic approaches to services are more effective for the participant, this transition will allow HSD to serve SNAP E&T participants by connecting with Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) providers, such as HELPNM. It will allow for HSD to expand the employment, training and other educational opportunities available under this program throughout the coming year.

 “The SNAP E&T program is a much-needed program in all of our communities and HSD is a valued strategic partner that supports and enhances our mission of empowering families through education, employment and training,” said Annaliza Gourneau, Vice President of the Office of Strategy and Community Engagement for HELPNM. “Lending a hand up for working families is what HELPNM has been doing for 56 years throughout New Mexico.”

The Human Services Department provides services and benefits to 1,030,306 New Mexicans through several programs including: the Medicaid Program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Child Support Program and several Behavioral Health Services.

ABOUT

HELPNM has collectively improved the lives of many New Mexicans for over 56 years. Through 38 offices across the state and more than 200 employees, HELPNM works diligently to change lives and improve the communities that the agency serves. HELPNM focuses on six pillars of service that includes varied programming for Employment, Education and Cognitive Development, Income and Asset Building, Housing, Health and Social/Behavioral Development, Civic Engagement and Community Involvement. HELPNM provides a delivery strategy that produces high levels of integration.  HELPNM is an affiliate of Chicanos Por La Causa, Inc. (CPLC).

SNAP E&T, a federally funded program under HSD, increases SNAP customer’s job opportunities leading to self-sufficiency. The goal of the Income Support Division (ISD) is to relieve, minimize or eliminate poverty and to make available certain services for eligible low-income individual and families through statewide programs of financial, food, and quality health and human services that improve the security and promote independence for New Mexicans in their communities.

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