Norway workfare benefits town

NORWAY – Town workers are a common sight in Norway, but most people don't realize that some of the individuals doing public works projects are part of the town's workfare program.

Under the program, participants receive assistance in exchange for performing work that benefits the general public.

Ben Perkins earned credit towards his rent last week by removing weeds from the cracks in the Main Street sidewalk. It's a task that requires many hours of difficult work, and the town will look better as a result.

For Perkins, jobs like this are a way to earn half of his rent money. If he does well, he can receive work recommendations for future employers, or even land a traditional job with the town some day.

“The town of Norway has had a workfare program for about 18 years,” said Norway Town Manager David Holt. “Physically able applicants found eligible for assistance are given work to do for the town, solid waste, library or qualifying non-profit agencies.”

Holt said that, in some cases, the participant does work prior to receiving the assistance at a minimum wage rate.

Ann Siekman, the library director at the Norway Memorial Library, says that her experiences with the program have all been positive.

“Generally, the people fit into our volunteer system,” she said. “It depends on the workers and what our needs are.”

“Sometimes they help with the mailings,” she said. “Last year some people came and were dusting shelves, which is something that we never get to unless we have willing volunteers.”

The workers have also performed tasks such as painting and yard work.

Siekman says that, sometimes, workers in the program bring valuable skills to the table that can benefit the library.

“Over the years I've seen lots of good helpers,” said Siekman. “One fellow here refinished some furniture for us, and did some painting for us.”

Holt said that, for some individuals, there are many advantages to the program over other forms of government assistance.

“On the plus side, the program helps deter people who just don't like work from receiving assistance,” he said. It also “provides self-esteem and, on occasion, even regular work opportunities.”

There are some individuals who don't fit the program well. Holt says that workfare is not for everyone who is in need of assistance.

“The challenge is that many people who qualify for general assistance may have small children at home, or physical and mental limitations,” he said. “Sometimes the supervision required is more than the benefit of the work.”

Overall, Holt says that he things that the program is a value to the town.

“I support the use of workfare,” he said. “One sure way to increase the welfare roles is to enable folks to receive benefits without working for them if they are able.”

MAKING RENT Photo: Photo by Anne Sheehan

Ben Perkins was tasked with removing weeds from sidewalk cracks for a distance of about four blocks on Main Street as part of Norway's workfare program.