Sharyn J. Zunz

Facilitating Self-Esteem and Social Supports in a Family Life-Skills Program

Apreliminary study of a statewide life-skills job-readiness program in which 116 female Temporary Assistance to Needy Families recipients participated found that significant gains made in curricular areas were positively correlated with self-esteem and social supports. The responses to a qualitative survey and ethnographic data revealed these womens strengths and the ways in which gender may have facilitated positive outcomes.

Challenges faced by rural TANF recipients : Regional differences in the outcomes of a lifeskills program

ABSTRACT This paper presents an analysis of the socio-economic disparities between a states rural and non-rural counties and describes differences in outcomes between geographically diverse participants in a statewide welfare-to-work lifeskills program. While both rural and non-rural groups made significant gains by programs end, participants from the most disadvantaged, rural counties were found to have less confidence in their own knowledge and abilities, lower self-esteem, and lower scores on some social support measures. At follow-up, rural participants were working fewer hours, for less pay, and were over-represented in service and la borer jobs. Ways to address the specific needs of rural recipients are discussed.