. >> chairman ryan, ranging member von holland, members of the committee. america works and its network of companies, including america works of washington, d.c., has successfully managed performance-based employment and retention programs throughout the united states since 1984. under the mission of changing people's lives by lifting them from depend ence into the productive world of employment, america works and its network of companies have placed over 400,000 people into jobs nationwide. america works' rapid attachment to work program allows individuals to be placed quickly into the workforce. america works believes work should be the central focus. wrap-around services including but not limited to mental health, shelter services, substance abuse services, child care, and educational endeavors are addressed simultaneously. over the years america works has taken on tough social problems which cost taxpayers billions of dollars with the belief that if a job is provided, dependency on the government diminishes and disappears. to that end we have rapidly at