Issues Identified

Program Outcomes

(ID number from logic model)

Values and morals were taught to these participants at an early age. They are attempting to instill these in their own children, but with less success.  

(7) Parents and family reference groups clearly communicate healthy values to children, and teach them the difference between right and wrong

They defended the value and benefits of single mothers; concerned about the stigma associated with single mothers.  

(Community Outcome #2) Increased positive outcomes for children raised in households with only one parent present

All seemed to have problems with schools not communicating with them about their children’s struggles. They felt that school personnel treated them differently because they were either black, on welfare or single mothers, and thus did not love or care about their children.  

These women had very few supports, either from family, friends, church or agencies. They appeared to struggle alone.  

(3) Embed families in rich network of supportive social relationships, informal and formal

A pattern of no relationship with the fathers among black participants; white participant fathers provided either financial support or help raising the children.  

(9) Absent parent(s) become fully involved in meeting emotional, financial and social needs of their children

There appeared to be a history of frustration with males – beginning at early ages when boys seemed to get lighter home chores, and their feeling that men shirk their responsibility to care for their children.

(2) Improved relationships (less stress, conflict) between husband/wife, mother/father

(9) Absent parent(s) become fully involved in meeting emotional, financial and social needs of their children

They worked in low-paying jobs, where childcare expenses became a major drain on their finances, and made them question the value of working.  

(1) Parents able to find “gainful” employment in order to support financial needs of family

Most of the participants grew up in a single-parent environment.

They appreciated the opportunity to talk to one another and suggested some type of support group for single parents;  

(3) Embed families in rich network of supportive social relationships, informal and formal

There was concern about the fairness of making just a little over the income eligibility threshold for assistance.

Concerns about finding childcare and especially after-school activities for older children. They want affordable options that address difficulties of transportation for families.

(1) Parents able to find “gainful” employment in order to support financial needs of family

Many of the women want to stay at home to care for their children;

(5) Increased opportunities for mothers to stay home to nurture, educate and care for young children

In some cases, the fathers are absent creating a concern about the child’s developmental needs – they are interested in male mentoring relationships;

(2) Improved relationships (less stress, conflict) between husband/wife, mother/father

(9) Absent parent(s) become fully involved in meeting emotional, financial and social needs of their children

The single moms seem isolated with few family or other supports;

(3) Embed families in rich network of supportive social relationships, informal and formal

All of the participants seemed to report behavioral problems with their children;

(8) Increased level of parenting knowledge and skills

There was a pervasive lack of financial and personal stability in their lives;

(1) Parents able to find “gainful” employment in order to support financial needs of family

A strong negative resistance to welfare reform measures to “work first” – they believe that issues like transportation, housing and childcare should be addressed before forcing them back into the work force;

(1) Parents able to find “gainful” employment in order to support financial needs of family

In a couple of stories, a criminal background (felony) was cited as major obstacle to housing and employment;

Most of the participants appeared to be relatively passive – they felt they were victims of unfair and discriminating systems. There was little mention of getting more education and training to improve job skills.

One participant mentioned the importance of extended supports – family, church and the need for informal networks of support;

(3) Embed families in rich network of supportive social relationships, informal and formal

A concern about neighborhood safety issues for young children;

A suggestion for more on-site childcare by local businesses;

(1) Parents able to find “gainful” employment in order to support financial needs of family

Abusive fathers causing family disruption and breakdown;

(2) Improved relationships (less stress, conflict) between husband/wife, mother/father

(9) Absent parent(s) become fully involved in meeting emotional, financial and social needs of their children

Varying levels of awareness regarding local services.

(6) Increased knowledge and access to information about community supports and services

Issues Identified

Program Outcomes

(ID number from logic model)

Both participants sent their children to private (Catholic) schools for better discipline

(7) Parents and family reference groups clearly communicate healthy values to children, and teach them the difference between right and wrong

Both had a negative reaction to welfare resistance and the abuse within the system

Sally believed there should be more supports for working mothers attempting to better their lives

(5) Increased opportunities for mothers to stay home to nurture, educate and care for young children

(3) Embed families in rich network of supportive social relationships, informal and formal

Both were family oriented and the care and nurturing of their children drove the decision-making in their lives

(5) Increased opportunities for mothers to stay home to nurture, educate and care for young children

(7) Parents and family reference groups clearly communicate healthy values to children, and teach them the difference between right and wrong

Sally was concerned about the lack of male figure in her son’s life – concerned about the psychological problems it may cause

(9) Absent parent(s) become fully involved in meeting emotional, financial and social needs of their children

Working single parents with few expressed financial needs

(1) Parents able to find “gainful” employment in order to support financial needs of family

Non-custodial parent largely absent from lives

(9) Absent parent(s) become fully involved in meeting emotional, financial and social needs of their children

Churches as source of social and emotional support

(3) Embed families in rich network of supportive social relationships, informal and formal

The use of therapy for mothers and children with problems

(4) Increased amount of positive family interaction

Behavioral problems with some of the children

(4) Increased amount of positive family interaction

Schools appear to be insensitive to needs

Some participants access support systems, others do not

(6) Increased knowledge and access to information about community supports and services

Better understanding about local support systems

(6) Increased knowledge and access to information about community supports and services

Need for positive role models

Desire for more education for them and their children

(1) Parents able to find “gainful” employment in order to support financial needs of family

Concern about fathers not providing discipline (pals rather than fathers)

(8) Increased level of parenting knowledge and skills

(9) Absent parent(s) become fully involved in meeting emotional, financial and social needs of their children

The ages of children were older thus possibly contributing to financial stability

In most cases, they were in control of their lives, no sense of victimhood

Issues Identified

Program Outcomes

(ID number from logic model)

Participants define themselves in terms of their children

Religion important part of their lives

(3) Embed families in rich network of supportive social relationships, informal and formal

All desire a strong sense of family togetherness and obligations

(7) Parents and family reference groups clearly communicate healthy values to children, and teach them the difference between right and wrong

(4) Increased amount of positive family interaction

Support systems include extended family

(3) Embed families in rich network of supportive social relationships, informal and formal

Blended families which appear well adjusted

(4) Increased amount of positive family interaction

Church as community

(3) Embed families in rich network of supportive social relationships, informal and formal

Lot of family activities

(4) Increased amount of positive family interaction

Commitment to college education for children

Little desire for further education for themselves

Financially stable

(1) Parents able to find “gainful” employment in order to support financial needs of family

No behavioral problems with children

(4) Increased amount of positive family interaction

See their primary role as teaching children values to succeed in life;

(7) Parents and family reference groups clearly communicate healthy values to children, and teach them the difference between right and wrong

A concern about the threats to teaching those values (peer groups, TV, internet, childcare providers);

(7) Parents and family reference groups clearly communicate healthy values to children, and teach them the difference between right and wrong

Very busy schedules with activities for children as focus;

(4) Increased amount of positive family interaction

A commitment to family activities and the “family dinner”;

(4) Increased amount of positive family interaction

While some talk about sacrifices made (not working to care for children), there is a sense of financial well-being;

(1) Parents able to find “gainful” employment in order to support financial needs of family

A concern about the materialism of kids and the need to “fit in”

Issues Identified

Program Outcomes

(ID number from logic model)

There is a strong belief that teaching children morals and values is their primary parental responsibility;

(7) Parents and family reference groups clearly communicate healthy values to children, and teach them the difference between right and wrong

Their family history is important to their current values;

The females are stay-at-home moms willing to make the financial sacrifices this entails;

(5) Increased opportunities for mothers to stay home to nurture, educate and care for young children

They attempt to be open with their children about finances, death, and rewards;

(8) Increased level of parenting knowledge and skills

The fathers are involved with their children but are seen as “fun” while the mothers enforce the rules and are “the bad guys”.

(2) Improved relationships (less stress, conflict) between husband/wife, mother/father

A recognition that the community may need a “clearinghouse” of information about available services;

(6) Increased knowledge and access to information about community supports and services

There is a use of non-violent discipline with their children;

(8) Increased level of parenting knowledge and skills

Both were victims of sexual abuse as young girls;

Both are struggling financially, although with different supports;

(1) Parents able to find “gainful” employment in order to support financial needs of family

Both had limited education with deficiencies in basic skills (reading and math), but were enrolled to get GED;

(1) Parents able to find “gainful” employment in order to support financial needs of family

They both have unresolved fears and mental health issues;

Both have challenges managing a budget, although Zara is  getting help;

(1) Parents able to find “gainful” employment in order to support financial needs of family

History of instability in housing arrangements.