Fostering TANF/WIOA Collaboration: Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania

This is an updated brief from the Office of Family Assistance (OFA) 2018 TANF Works! TANF/WIOA Collaboration Series that described collaboration strategies between Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) programs to serve populations with low incomes. These updated briefs were developed through follow-up outreach and interviews to explore how TANF/WIOA collaborations have been sustained over time and have evolved as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Each brief features a success story and includes snapshot infographics depicting TANF and WIOA data.

Integration of TANF and WIOA services has become second nature in Lehigh Valley since 2018; by streamlining eligibility, customers are immediately made aware of programs where they are qualified and can begin receiving services. The co-location of TANF and WIOA staff with an intentional office layout facilitates a full-service experience for customers as well as lends itself naturally to partner collaboration. The brief discusses how merging TANF and WIOA creates a “familial environment” where caseworkers and other employer partners benefit from this collaboration.