Not all tax dollars that are spent are doled out in huge amounts.

Sometimes it’s the smaller investments that are just as effective in creating better lives for our citizens.

Bowling Green City Commission on Tuesday approved an agreement with Goodwill Industries of Kentucky – Goodwill’s Another Way Program will get just over $80,000 in city funding.

However, it could be money well spent and should be helpful to those in our community arguably in the most need.

The program via Goodwill seeks to provide opportunities to people to gain job skills training and “work-based learning opportunities” as an alternative to panhandling.

Panhandling is not safe. There are signs in Bowling Green urging people to give and help in other ways rather than handing out cash to those on street corners.

Instead, in this instance, our city and Goodwill are targeting those in need with training that could result in employment and more self-worth and self-respect for the many in our community who need a jump start in their lives.

The program will visit “highly trafficked areas” of the city – homeless shelters, roads and streets twice a week. Up to four workers will be chosen at a time. Those who participate are paid a $50 stipend for four-hour shifts at different work sites.

“We help them with their IDs, their birth certificates, whatever we need to do to help them become self-sufficient,” said Sharon Allgeier, senior manager of homeless initiatives for Goodwill.

“It has been the most successful thing I’ve ever seen in my life.”

The program began in Louisville and has been active for three years.

The work here – on a one-year agreement – will begin July 1.

Some of the participants will work with Bowling Green Parks and Recreation.

“We might even end up with some employees down the road out of this,” said Bowling Green City Manager Jeff Meisel.

We believe this is a boots-on-the-ground, direct involvement with those in need who hopefully will benefit and move in a positive direction in life.

The city made a positive move with this funding. Here’s hoping it is successful.