Participants of LA:RISE were co-enrolled in programs funded by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and received a minimum of 300 hours of subsidized, transitional employment at a social enterprise or workforce development system partner. These programs also provided on-the-job training, specialized training, or both. Other provided services varied by placement and included soft-skills training, work-readiness training and assessments, supportive services, case management, education, and permanent job search and placement services.

The Grameen America program provided microfinance loans, financial literacy training, and networking opportunities to women with low incomes. Groups of five self-employed women, who knew each other and lived near one another, applied and were selected for services together. Each woman received services individually to support her unique enterprises. The Grameen America Program was administered in Union City, NJ, and served participants in the surrounding areas in northern New Jersey.

The sequence of required activities began with a two-week job search workshop. Next, participants completed three months of unpaid work experience (typically 20 to 30 hours per week) with concurrent job club sessions every other week, followed by assessments and referrals to outside education or training programs, if necessary. Part-time employment could substitute for some SWIM activities. People were placed in SWIM if they were applying for or receiving AFDC benefits from participating AFDC offices and met criteria for required participation.