From Dependence to Self-Sufficiency.

The article relates the success of the welfare to work program of Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Cascade Engineering Inc. and the journey of Amy Valderas from welfare to work. Valderas was a stay-at-home mother who used to receive cash assistance from the government but now works as core production operator at the company. It lists lessons learned by Cascade's leaders to sustain the company's welfare-to-work program such as providing a caseworker on-site by partnering with a state agency. A brief background on the company is provided.