Employment & Self-Sufficiency

  Strategies for Increasing TANF Work Participation Rates Summary Report December 2008 By: LaDonna Pavetti, Jacqueline Kauff, Michelle K. Derr, Jeffrey Max, Ann Person, and Gretchen Kirby Mathematica Policy Research

This practice brief profiles the multi-pronged, comprehensive approaches taken by Maryland and Utah to increase their state's work participation rates. Both states have more than doubled their state Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) work participation rates within a one-year period.

  Strategies for Increasing TANF Work Participation Rates Providing Unpaid Work Experience Opportunities for TANF Recipients: Examples from Erie County, New York; Montana; and Hamilton County, Ohio December 2008 By: Michelle K. Kerr Mathematica Policy Research

  Strategies for Increasing TANF Work Participation Rates Using Data to Monitor and Improve the Work Participation of TANF Recipients: Examples from New York City and Utah December 2008 By: Jeffrey Max and Gretchen Kirby Mathematica Policy Research

This practice brief profiles three programs, two statewide and one local, that provide work opportunities to Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) recipients who are participating in vocational education programs.

  Poor Finances:  Assets and Low-Income Households Asset Building over the Life Course Final Report By: Mark R. Rank Center for Social Development Washington University in Saint Louis November 2008

  Poor Finances:  Assets and Low-Income Households The Effects of Holding Assets on Social and Economic Outcomes of Families: A Review of Theory and Evidence November 2008 By: Robert Lerman and Signe-Mary McKernan The Urban Institute

The purpose of this exploratory study was to learn what factors and approaches utilized by Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) programs contribute to refugee economic self-sufficiency. The issue of whether these approaches were applicable to mainstream welfare-to-work programs was also addressed.

Gabriel, a high school junior, enjoys working the concession stand at the local movie theater on Friday and Saturday nights.  He earns a little money for college, hangs out with his friends, and gets to watch movies for free.  He even got a pay raise because of his strong work ethic and posit