As an unemployed father of three, Heraldo Quiroz was no stranger to tough situations. Having been out of works for nearly half a year, Heraldo lacked the tools and support he needed to get back on his feet, including providing child support. As a part of the Non-Custodial Parent (NCP) Choices program, he found both at Workforce Solutions Capital Area and began working with his Career Counselor Tammy Powell.
Unfortunately, unemployment was not Heraldo’s only barrier to success and responsibility. A lack of transportation and a criminal background made it difficult for him to identify and interview for positions that would be the right fit for him. Workforce Solutions provided Heraldo with assistance for his job search, transportation and work attire.
“I was given tools to help with a job search that I didn’t even know were there,” Heraldo said. “Things don’t usually work out for me. This program and Tammy really helped me get back on track.”
In just over two months, Heraldo found employment and, with an employment retention incentive, helped purchase a computer to assist with his wife’s school work.
“Heraldo said he was ‘paying it forward’ to help someone else,” said Tammy Powell. “He took the NCP program seriously and utilized every advantage of the support services we offer.
“I am proud to have worked with Heraldo. He is an example of what can be achieved with goals in mind and the necessary support to achieve them.”
About the NCP Choices Program
The Non-Custodial Parent (NCP) Choices program is a collaborative initiative to help non-custodial parents pay child support. The Travis County Child Support Court (the Court), the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) and Workforce Solutions Capital Area (Workforce Solutions) work together to help non-custodial parents find employment to pay their owed child support and become a contributing member of the local workforce.
The OAG and the Court identify those non-custodial parents who are in need of and qualify for the NCP Choices program. Qualifications for the program include: the child is currently receiving state assistance in the form of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Medicaid; and the non-custodial parent must reside in Travis County, have a social security number and not be currently receiving disability benefits.
Workforce Solutions works with the non-custodial parent to help them secure a job, including identifying and addressing additional outside barriers to obtaining employment.
For more information about the NCP program, contact Workforce Solutions Capital Area.
Workforce Solutions Capital Area is an equal opportunity employer. Auxiliary aids and services are available, upon request, to persons with disabilities. Relay Texas: 800.735.2989 (TDD) / 711 (Voice).
