Fostering TANF/WIOA Collaboration: Weld County, Colorado

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.

Weld County was one of the first localities nationwide to co-locate TANF case management and employment services. This cross-program knowledge allows case managers for both programs to assist customers, address their customers’ needs, and support the greatest plan for success for their customers, while also upholding TANF and WIOA guidelines. Access to services was not disrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic, while internal teamwork contributed to their customers’ career success. The brief examines the special focus on serving immigrant and refugee populations and prioritizing services to veterans, youth, people experiencing homelessness, and individuals with disabilities.