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Nevertheless, growing numbers of officials think that work-for-welfare programs are at least worth trying. And many workfare participants seem to agree. In Des Moines, Ruth Breitzke, 34, has been working since September as a volunteer at the juvenile court in return for her welfare check. "I enjoy what I'm doing here even though I don't get paid for it," says she. "It gives you the feeling that you can get back into the working world. It gives you that boost."