What is Family Self-Sufficiency?

FSS is a program designed to help low-income families gain education and job skills in order for them to improve their families' financial situation and quality of life.

Who Can Participate?

FSS is open to low-income families and single parents with at least one child under 12, who have less than two years of college education. Participants do not need a high school diploma, nor previous work or school experience.

What Can FSS Do For Families?

FSS can help you set training and education goals which will lead to good paying jobs. Participants may receive help with tuition, child care, housing, transportation, and personal support. FSS does not provide these services directly but helps coordinate the resources existing in Boulder County.

How Does FSS Work?

The first step is to fill out an FSS application. Once accepted each participant will be given a case manager who will work with them on a one to one basis. The case manager will help participants set realistic goals. For example: get a GED, attend VoTech, get a job. The case manager then helps the participant get the assistance they need to reach their goals, i. e., child care while in school, money for tuition and books, etc. The case managers and FSS staff will offer personal support and encouragement even after participants have jobs. The participant provides the hard work and determination necessary to reach self-sufficiency. Lifeskills courses and monthly support meetings also put particpants in touch with a network of other single parents going in the same direction.

For more information contact: Boulder County Family Self-Sufficiency, Boulder County Housing Authority 441-3929.