Mentoring as a Strategy for Welfare Reform

SUMMARY

Mentoring has most often been used as a tool to assist children in developing their potential or as a means for professionals to advance in the workplace. Mentoring is also gaining in popularity as a component of welfare reform. The focus of the survey research reported in this article is a mentoring program designed to help women avoid or leave the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program. The mentoring program, operated by a faith-based agency, was one of several welfare innovations funded in Texas with the support of then Governor George W. Bush. Although the majority of mentees who responded to the survey were satisfied with their mentoring experience, a smaller number believed the mentoring relationship helped them leave welfare or get a job. In contrast, mentors were less satisfied with their experience, but most thought they had helped their mentee prepare for employment or find work. The authors conclude that mentoring can be beneficial for some women when provided as part of a package that offers more concrete services.

Key Words:

• Welfare reform
• mentoring
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families