About Us

Building economic self-sufficiency, one career at a time.

The LACOE GAIN Division is part of California's Greater Avenues for Independence initiative — a welfare-to-work program operating in every county in the state. In Los Angeles County, we serve participants under the supervision of the Department of Public Social Services.

What We Do

Helping participants move toward employment, self-sufficiency, and long-term career goals

Each year, the LACOE GAIN Division helps eligible CalWORKs participants referred through DPSS prepare for employment, connect with opportunities, and take steps toward economic self-sufficiency. Through job-readiness services, career planning, and individualized support, participants receive guidance designed to help them move toward a job, a better job, and ultimately, a career.

GAIN services are delivered through Job Club sites located throughout Los Angeles County, where participants work with staff who provide structured curriculum, employment preparation, and personal support. These services help participants build confidence, strengthen workplace readiness, explore career goals, and prepare for meaningful employment.

GAIN also partners with local businesses and employers to support hiring needs by connecting them with motivated job seekers who are ready to take the next step in their employment journey. Through events such as Hiring Spree LA and ongoing placement support, our team works to create connections that benefit both participants and employers.

Our Programs

GAIN & START

Two programs. One purpose: helping you build a future that works.

GAIN

Greater Avenues for Independence

GAIN combines structured orientation, hands-on job preparation, and language-inclusive services to help CalWORKs participants move into long-term employment.

The GAIN program serves eligible CalWORKs participants who are referred through the Department of Public Social Services. DPSS determines eligibility and assigns participants to appropriate GAIN services based on their program requirements, needs, and employment goals.

Once referred, participants receive support designed to help them prepare for employment, understand program expectations, and build the skills needed to move toward self-sufficiency. Participants may begin with an Orientation/Motivation session that explains their rights, responsibilities, and the benefits of participating in GAIN, while also introducing tools and strategies for overcoming challenges and working toward personal and professional goals.

Through Job Services, also known as Job Club, participants receive structured employment preparation using LACOE-developed curriculum, a Job Preparation Guide, and adult-learning strategies. Over the course of the program, participants practice pre-employment skills, strengthen job-seeking strategies, develop positive work habits, and prepare for long-term career success.

GAIN services are offered in English and Spanish, with additional support available for participants who speak other languages commonly found throughout Los Angeles County. Through the Non-English/Non-Spanish Program and the Refugee Employment Program, participants may access sessions in Armenian, Farsi, Russian, Vietnamese, and Chinese, taught by certified bilingual staff using professionally translated materials.

See if you qualify for GAIN ↗
START

Skills and Training to Achieve Readiness for Tomorrow

START provides employment and training services that help participants reach their goals — with a dedicated worker by their side and real support for the costs that come with getting back to work.

  • A dedicated START Worker assigned to help you reach your employment goals.
  • Activities tailored to your path — including Vocational Assessment, Skills for Work, Career Opportunities Resources and Employment, or Education and Training.
  • Support for real-world costs like transportation, supplies, and uniforms.
  • Wraparound services including Substance Use Disorder and Domestic Violence support, available throughout your time in the program.
See if you qualify for START ↗

Take the Next Step

Ready when you are.

Whether you're exploring our programs, looking for the office nearest to you, or curious how others have built their careers through GAIN — start here.

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