Welfare To Wealth is a “rags-to-riches” unscripted, original television series that offers individuals on welfare who have a vision for a better life an opportunity to make it a reality.

SYNOPSIS:

Welfare To Wealth features three individuals on welfare competing for income opportunities (employment or self-employment). Celebrity mentors who were once welfare recipients coach contestants using their personal contacts and experience. The audience will witness contestant ups, downs, challenges, and triumphs along their hopeful journey from rags to riches. Some celebrities who once lived in poverty prior to becoming successful have shared their stories, including: Oprah Winfrey, Kelly Clarkson, Whoopi Goldberg, Scarlett Johansson, Cuba Gooding, Jr., Sarah Jessica Parker, Tyler Perry, Viola Davis, J.K. Rowling, Steve Harvey, Taraji P. Henson, Moby, Ilyanya Vanzant, Justin Bieber, Bruce Springsteen, Sandra Lee, Craig T. Nelson, Mariah Carey, Jay-Z, Hilary Swank, and more.

Justification

The economic woes in the United States have created large numbers of unemployed, and many have had to apply for welfare as a result. Those who may have once looked down upon welfare recipients have had to face issues that challenge their self-esteem, create depression and a sense of hopelessness. Mental health issues create additional difficulties for people to attain, maintain, and sustain success in life during these challenging times; and homelessness is either a reality or looms as a threat.

Many unemployed do not apply for welfare benefits after their benefits have been exhausted because they fear “walking a mile in the shoes” of many Americans who have faced disdain, prejudice and hatred by employed and retired Americans—a fear buoyed now by many in the current U.S. federal government championing cuts in financial, medical and other supports. Also, some no longer trust or wish to return to the nine-to-five lifestyle, and instead have dreams of self-employment.

Women who are single mothers and have not been able to work, or just haven’t had the support and resources to pursue their dreams have been one of the largest groups on welfare. Many Americans believe they are a drain on “hard-working” peoples’ tax dollars. Women on welfare with children are believed to be ignorant and unmotivated. Welfare To Wealth will challenge and educate Americans who believe and embrace only the stereotypes about people who are on welfare.

The title Welfare To Wealth is a play on welfare to work programs on the federal and state levels that require people to regularly look for employment or to receive training to make them employable.