Founded in 1989, BEGIN is the New York City Human Resources Administration/Department of Social Services' welfare-to-work program specializing in basic skills and literacy instruction for participants with low basic skills and limited English proficiency. BEGIN partners with educational institutions, community-based organizations, social service agencies and employers to create career pathways for participants. BEGIN, or “Begin Employment, Gain Independence Now,” stands for the program’s commitment to enabling parents to gain the literacy training and job skills they need to be successful. In each BEGIN program, education or training is concurrent with a paid, or intern-model work experience. Through BEGIN’s blend of education, skills training, work experience and employment placement and retention services, the program has helped thousands of participants find and retain jobs. In fourteen years, BEGIN programs have served nearly 100,000 single parents. Because participants in BEGIN programs come from many backgrounds, BEGIN meets them where they are, with the following variety of program options:

BEGIN Work Study (BWS) A basic education program, BWS offers educational instruction for all literacy levels up to and including the GED. BEGIN Work Study (BWS) is an intensive full-time work-study program that provides classroom instruction, supplemented by three days of work experience in a variety of clerical, human services or maintenance positions.

BEGIN Language Work Study (BLWS) BEGIN Language Work Study Programs prepare limited English speaking adults for the workplace with a full range of integrated skills enhancement and support services including English language classes and work experience.

BEGIN Internship The BEGIN Internship is a job readiness and employment program for individuals who have attained their High School Diploma or GED.

BEGIN Vocational Work Study (VoWS) VoWS is an integrated program in which participants learn a specific, marketable skill in a classroom setting two days and work site three days per week. VoWS participants are currently training in the personal care and food service fields.

BEGIN Employment Plus (E+) BEGIN's Employment Plus Program (E+) provides evening and weekend educational support, job retention support, counseling and case management for low-income working adults.