20th National Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect

Record Type
Posting Date
Combined Date
Sponsor
Children’s Bureau’s Office on Child Abuse and Neglect
Location
Washington, D.C.
National/International
Event Date
-

Heartland Alliance’s National Initiatives on Poverty & Economic Opportunity Conference: A Nation that Works

Record Type
Posting Date
Combined Date
Sponsor
Heartland Alliance
Location
Chicago, Illinois
National/International
Topics/Subtopics
Event Date
-

National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Legislative Summit

Record Type
Posting Date
Combined Date
Sponsor
National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL)
Location
Chicago, Illinois
National/International
Topics/Subtopics
Event Date
-

2016 Community Action Partnership Annual Convention

Record Type
Posting Date
Combined Date
Sponsor
Community Action Partnership
Location
Austin, Texas
National/International
Topics/Subtopics
Event Date
-

National Staff Development and Training Association (NSDTA) Annual Conference

Record Type
Posting Date
Combined Date
Sponsor
National Staff Development and Training Association (NSDTA)
Location
New Brunswick, New Jersey
SFS Category
National/International
Topics/Subtopics
Event Date
-

49th Annual IT Solutions Management (ISM) Conference

Record Type
Posting Date
Combined Date
Sponsor
American Public Human Services Association (APHSA)
Location
Phoenix, Arizona
National/International
Topics/Subtopics
Event Date
-

National Association for Program Information and Performance Measurement (NAPIPM) 36th Annual Education Conference

Record Type
Posting Date
Combined Date
Sponsor
National Association for Program Information and Performance Measurement (NAPIPM)
Location
Reno, Nevada
National/International
Event Date
-

The American Association of SNAP Directors (AASD) and the National Association of TANF Administrators (NASTA) Annual Education Conference

Record Type
Posting Date
Combined Date
Sponsor
American Association of SNAP Directors (AASD) and the National Association of TANF Administrators (NASTA)
Location
Orlando, Florida
National/International
Event Date
-
Innovative Programs

Vehicles for Change

Mission/Goal of Program

Vehicles for Change Inc. (VFC) empowers families with financial challenges to achieve economic and personal independence through car ownership and technical training. In 1999, Vehicles for Change opened outside of Baltimore, Maryland. After building its program in the Maryland-Virginia-Washington D.C. region, VFC began work to replicate those programs nationally, aiming to bring independent transportation and training in the automotive field to as many people as possible. VFC opened its second location in Detroit, Michigan in 2015.

Programs/Services Offered

The car ownership program currently awards cars to families in Maryland, Washington D.C., Virginia and Detroit, Michigan. Families are referred to VFC by their partner agencies, which include TANF agencies, domestic violence shelters, or other workforce training programs. Families are provided with a 12-month loan to purchase vehicles on their own for around $85/ month, and can bring the vehicle to VFC centers for repair, as needed. VFC covers the repair at their cost, at a significant discount.

The program did expand to include: 

  • VFC Training Center

In September 2013, VFC launched the Center for Automotive Careers in Baltimore. Later renamed the Full Circle Auto Repair and Training Center, the center has 2 training programs, a program that trains automotive detailers and a prison reentry program that trains automotive technicians. Trainees are paid a stipend of $340/week. 

  • The VFC Advantage

As part of the Full Circle Auto Repair & Training Center, VFC opened the center to serve the public in June 2015. The garage provides basic auto repair, brakes, tune ups, tires, and oil changes and is open to the local residents, former VFC customers and recipients.

Start Date
Monday, February 1, 1999
Type of Agency/Organization
Community-Based Organization
City
Baltimore
State
District of Columbia
Maryland
Michigan
Geographic Reach
Multisite
Clientele/Population Served
Low-income families, many of whom are receiving TANF benefits; ex-offenders
Topics/Subtopics
Transportation
Access and Availability
Car Purchase Programs
Transportation Subsidies /Vouchers

2016 OFA Regions VI and VIII TANF Technical Assistance Meeting

Record Description
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Family Assistance (OFA), Regions VI and VIII hosted the Bi-Regional TANF Technical Assistance Meeting on June 28-30, 2016 at the Region VI Program Office in Dallas, Texas. The meeting brought together TANF program directors and other stakeholders to discuss innovative strategies and collaborations to learn strategies, engage in strategic dialogue, and build linkages with peers to improve program outcomes and promote economic and social independence for individuals, children, and families. During the meeting, attendees engaged in listening sessions and discussions, shared best practices, and participated in workshops and action planning in order to more successfully serve the program participants in their communities.