Temporary Assistance/Case Management Manual

0275.045.35 Differences Between Community Service Program and Alternative Work Experience (AWEP)/Community Work Experience (CWEP)

The Community Service Program and AWEP/CWEP positions are volunteer activities (not paid).  Since these two Missouri Work Assistance (MWA) activities are very similar, below is a listing of the differences.

  • The Community Service Program is employment in the public sector only; AWEP/CWEP may include employment in the private or public sector.
  • The Community Service Program may be multiple positions at the same employer; AWEP/CWEP are generally individual positions.
  • The Community Service Program may not be self-initiated; AWEP/CWEP can be self-initiated (the TA recipient can ask the volunteer site to allow them to work).
  • The Community Service Program is used to obtain soft skills at any employer; AWEP/CWEP is used to master very specific skills of that particular business.