Changes in the universe of W-2 recipients and AFDC cases at the time of the survey

There were approximately 8,600 individuals on W-2 at the time of the quantitative phone calls[1] while in 1991 there were 55,031 AFDC cases[2].  The implications of this is that we were attempting to interview a universe that was 1/7 the size of the group in 1991.

Projections to determine the number of low-income single mothers in Milwaukee County that need help or are currently not being helped

To quantify the number of low-income single mothers that need help or are not being helped in Milwaukee County would involve several steps.  First, the actual number of low-income single mothers in Milwaukee County would need to be determined.  Then the results from the third phase (The Inventory of Social Service Agencies) can be used to project the number of single mothers currently being served and those who still need help.  However, a researcher should be cautioned that any projections may not be reliable due to the low response rate from the third phase.

Other Observations/Conclusions

It seems the focus of W-2 is similar to AFDC in that the focus is still on short-term success.  As stated in the Gap Analysis and Final Summary, we found that the focus of any assistance program should be securing the future success of low income single mothers, not just their day to day existence. Single mothers want increased educational opportunities, quality job training, quality jobs, and quality child care (affordable); they want to move beyond satisfying their immediate needs for food, clothing, and housing.  They stressed the path to lasting financial independence is not secured by just "any job."  Low income single mothers understand financial independence is directly related to a higher level of education and training that will help them succeed at higher level jobs.

Single mothers claimed a satisfying and challenging job (versus a dead-end, minimum wage job without health insurance) would improve their self-esteem and confidence, improve their family life ("be a positive role model for my kids") and allow for quality time with their family (rather than working three jobs to provide a bare existence).  This self-supporting motivation may also trickle down to future generations, communicating that self-empowerment is the key to opportunities and success in life.

Another observation about the research is that it was more difficult to enlist the participation from the social service agencies.  We were told that the social service agencies are repeatedly being asked to provide outcome-based information on their organization, making it more difficult to collect information of this type.  (One individual even suggested there are political implications to releasing the information.)  There is a concern this attitude of protecting information about available services may carry over to low income single mothers who already have challenges accessing the system.