The theme of the 56th annual workshop was “Moving Forward to Reduce Poverty, Increase Opportunity, and Improve Human Service Delivery.” Researchers and practitioners engaged around public systems aiming to reduce poverty, increase opportunity, and support the well-being of America’s families.
Ms. Graber conducted the roundtable discussion about lessons learned from the Virginia Financial Success Network (VFSN) along with project partners Paula Dehetre, Christopher Jacobs, and Jenna Bryant. Attendees gained insight on how to do the following:
- Anticipate and overcome implementation challenges, collaboratively
- Bundle services and help clients realize the benefits of financial coaching
- Utilize evaluation findings to inform interim program decisions
Currently, VFSN is being implemented in six workforce areas of the state, utilizing a unique mixture of employment training, income supports, and financial coaching services to support clients in obtaining financial security. The Virginia Financial Success Network aims to reduce poverty through employment and other income sources, increase opportunity through connections to a variety of resources, and support the well-being of American families by helping participants to stabilize and advance their financial situation.
Dr. McCrohan presented on collaboration across systems in housing and workforce in Oregon. The focus of the session was a discussion on lessons learned for the Housing Works Program.
Housing Works was a pilot program funded by the United States Department of Labor. The program aimed to create sector systems change to better serve a common client base, which would be accomplished through intensive collaboration and efficiencies. The purpose of the program was the following objectives:
- Increase collaboration between the region’s workforce investment boards (WIBs) and public housing authorities (PHAs)
- Increase the efficiency of the region’s WIBs and PHAs
- Increase the earning potential of PHA residents
- Accelerate a path to self-sufficiency for PHA residents
PPA is a Lansing, Michigan-based firm that provides clients across the country with research and strategic consultation to inform the development of effective policies and programs in the areas of education and workforce development, safety and justice, and healthy communities. For more information about PPA’s work, contact Colleen Graber at cgraber@publicpolicy.com.