Family Support Services administers federal and state-mandated programs for eligible families. These programs include:
- Work First Family Assistance / Work First Employment Services
- TANF Emergency Assistance / Services for Low Income Families
- Crisis Intervention Program / Low Income Energy Assistance Program
- Refugee Assistance Program
In addition, the Family Support Services unit also houses additional, less formal, programs which address potential needs and support self-sufficiency. These offerings include:
- Housing Assistance
- Employment Services
- SOAR Program
Finally, the Family Support Services unit serves as the agency’s general services intake.
General Services Intake
Ashe County DSS has a worker available during business hours to assess individuals and families presenting with general needs that do not fall into other program areas. Needs such as clothing, medication for non-insured, furniture, transportation, home repairs, etc. are assessed by a social worker who then makes referrals to other programs/agencies as appropriate. Family Support Services works closely with local resources such as BROC, Daymark, Ashe Really Cares, Ashe Food Pantry, Ashe Medication Assistance Program and other in-house DSS programs to ensure that individuals and families have the resources to meet their basic needs.
