1. The Two-Generation Approach in Practice
Ben Goodwin
Executive Director
Christopher Ramsey
Lead CAFSI Case Manager
Little Rock, Arkansas
/beyondhousing
The Two-Generation Approach in Practice
Organizational and Programmatic Considerations

2. Agenda 1. Presentation (50 minutes)
What is the “Two-Generation Approach?”
How the two-generation approach plays out in families’ lives
How organizations can move towards a two-generation approach
How front-line program staff can take the lead in implementing two-generation strategies.
2. Questions (10 minutes)
3. Group Activity (25 minutes)
4. Final Questions (5 minutes)

3. A Definition
Two-generation strategies intentionally and systematically connect adult/child investments for larger, longer lasting impacts on family economic success.
-Dr. Christopher King
University of Texas

4. National Resources Ascend Network, Aspen Institute Urban Institute
Many Foundations
DHHS

5. Where does your organization fall on this continuum?

6. Our House 7-acre campus, “one-stop shop” Serve 1,600 people/year
Serve 200 adults and 300 children each day
Housing for 110 people each night
Licensed, quality-rated children’s programs
Workforce programs

7. Housing

8. Housing

9. Out-of-School Time Program

10. Out-of-School Time Program

11. Early Childhood Education

12. Workforce Training

13. Case Management

14. Homelessness Prevention

17. Why it Works
Activates highest motivation of parents and children, who provide the core “support network” for each other.
Creates sustainable, reinforcing positive dynamic that lasts beyond the “intervention”.

18. Key Characteristics Flexible Holistic Long-term Learning
Practice What You Preach

20. “Be Your Child’s Best Advocate”
Equipping parents with the skills to successfully interact with systems on behalf of their children and their family.
Acknowledging parents’ leadership/expertise, which is more empowering, motivating, and sustainable.
Sustainability: equipping parents with the skills they need to tackle whatever life throws their way.

21. © Our House 2014

22. Video can be accessed at:

23. Two-generation case management
How Do We Do It?
Two-generation case management
Systemic thinking
Service philosophy that is strength-based, solution-focused, and family-centered.
Considers the decision’s impact on each family member when developing the case plan.

25. © Our House 2014

26. Two-generation programs require a big investment of time, money, and strategic focus.

27. Access to your programs
Efficiency is important. Low-income parents don’t have much spare time.
Make sure your program schedules accommodate parents.
Provide child care. Provide a meal.

28. For children-serving programs:
Create more and better opportunities for program staff to interact with parents, and train and equip them to make good use of these opportunities.
Parent/teacher conferences
Family fun nights
Parent-led activities

29. Practice What You Preach:
In your own programs, model the importance of empowerment by:
Operating quality programs—and communicating this to your clients.
Listening to your clients—provide fora for constructive feedback (surveys, focus groups, program evaluations).

30. Hiring the Right People
Flexibility, creativity, positivity.
Ability to work different schedules that accommodate clients.
Ability to get along with children and adults.

31. Maintaining a two-generation culture
Regular meetings and other interaction between staff working with children and adults.
Shared training and vocabulary.
Support program staff when they encounter challenges/opportunities: partnerships, policies, and more.
Be prepared to spend money and make changes.

32. Entrepreneurialism and the 2-Generation model (Strategic partnerships)
No one agency can do it all. Don’t try it!
When building strategic partnerships think business. “Partners are customers!”
Sound 2 Generation partnerships should remove barriers and promote engagement across the 2-generation continuum. FLOW

33. Bridging the Divide using Strategic Partnerships

34. Questions?

36. Ben Goodwin Christopher Ramsey 501-944-5110 ben@ourhouseshelter.org