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SUMMARY OF PROGRAM Provide the vision and mission of the State E&T program. In addition, describe how your State agency's E&T program meets the purpose of E&T which is to: Increase the ability of SNAP participants to obtain regular employment Meet State or local workforce needs The vision and mission of the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) CalFresh E&T program is to increase the employment and earning capacity of CalFresh recipients by maximizing their access to CalFresh E&T, supportive services, skills, and credentialing. The vision and mission align with the E&T program’s strategic goals to: - Increase job placement, retention, and wages; - Increase participation across a diverse mix of people, communities, and cultures; - Increase employability by removing barriers to employment; - Increase skills attainment and credentialing; and - Lead an efficient and effective customer-focused program. CalFresh E&T is overseen by the CDSS and voluntarily administered through 35 County Welfare Departments (CWDs). The CDSS delegates the planning, implementation, and operation of the CalFresh E&T program to participating counties. Each county designs its program, establishes target populations, determines activities, provides participant reimbursements, and authorizes partners to provide services as part of a local program. The CDSS has agreements with sub-recipients who offer E&T services in multiple counties in coordination and with the approval of the local county, known as “state partners”. These partnerships are: - The Foundation for California Community Colleges will offer the Fresh Success program to CalFresh E&T participants primarily through community colleges in 17 counties; and - The Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) will offer CalFresh E&T services to formerly incarcerated adults in nine counties. The CDSS provides oversight and monitoring to all entities administering the E&T program to ensure compliance with all governing laws and regulations. The CDSS reviews and approves all county and state partner CalFresh E&T Plans. Approved plans inform the CDSS E&T State Plan and can only be implemented upon approval by FNS. The CalFresh E&T program is designed around local economies and population characteristics to increase the likelihood of eligible individuals’ access to services that critically improve employability in their community. All county E&T programs are cultivated locally and reflect the unique needs of communities across the state. Counties are encouraged to offer the E&T program and develop programs to address local barriers. Counties are encouraged to seek the expertise of workforce development partners when designing their E&T Plan. Organizations specializing in workforce development and familiar with labor market trends and strategies support skill-building and employment prospects for CalFresh E&T participants. These organizations can become strong partners in program administration while expanding the reach of CalFresh E&T. The CDSS acknowledges that valued workers are essential to a healthy economy. CalFresh E&T provides the 1/28/26, 11:04 AM State Plan CA FY26 - Original Submission https://dam-fns.usda.gov/sites/default/files/microsite/snapet-cafy26stateplan//index.html 3/286