In January, 358 Fresno County welfare recipients -- and more than a 1,100 in the central San Joaquin Valley -- will reach their lifetime limit on welfare. That number is expected to grow to as many as 5,000 for the region in 2003 as more and more people hit the limit each month. The state also will make some payments on behalf of children whose parents lose aid. Fresno County will send payments directly to landlords and utilities instead of cutting checks for parents, said Don Pierce, director of Employment and Temporary Assistance. Janice Schoonover, who will be off welfare next month, also knew it was happening. The letter that she received from Fresno County said it all: "As of 12/1, the county has determined that you, Janice Schoonover, have received a total of 60 months of your lifetime 60- month limit of CalWORKS cash aid."