Date of Graduation

12-17-1999

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Nonprofit Administration (MNA)

Abstract

This research project was a qualitative study with data collected primarily through interviews with three constituencies of welfare-to-work job readiness programs: TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families) clients, nonprofit agency staff, and Department of Human Services (DHS) CalWORKs Department employment specialists. Specifically, six TANF clients, six nonprofit agency staff, and two DHS CalWORKs Department employment specialists were interviewed by the researcher. The study was conducted to determine which programmatic factors were related to success for single T ANF women participating in nonprofit organizations' work readiness programs in San Francisco. Program factors were divided into four areas: program model/structure, program curriculum, additional support services, and philosophy of agency staff. The study demonstrated that program model/structure and philosophy and attitudes of agency staff were perceived to be the most important factors influencing whether or not a TANF woman was likely to complete a work readiness program. Curriculum offerings did not appear to have any bearing on program completion levels, and all the organizations reviewed in this study provided instruction on similar topics under the categories of job seeking skills, computer skills, workplace skills, and life management skills. Support services offered by nonprofit agencies, such as counseling, housing, medical care, and childcare referrals, were also not considered important criteria in determining whether a TANF woman would complete a work readiness program. Most respondents cited the following factors as contributors to the success of TANF participants in completing work readiness programs and subsequently finding work: TANF participants developed confidence and a sense of self-worth; the nonprofit agency was able to connect clients iv with employers; TANF clients and employment specialists developed good relationships with agency staff; TANF participants received structure/goal setting from agencies and employment specialists; and TANF participants were able to overcome language barriers.

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