The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS) is advancing a bold new vision for supporting vulnerable Iowans. With a focus on integration, efficiency, and person-centered care, Iowa HHS has been selected by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through its Administration for Children and Families (ACF) to launch a statewide pilot aimed at increasing economic mobility, long-term family stability, and reduced reliance on public assistance.

Iowa, along with Arizona, Nebraska, Ohio, and Virginia, aims to test new approaches to measure the effectiveness of the federal assistance program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). At the heart of this initiative is the PROMISE JOBS program, a key support for families receiving TANF.  Administered in partnership with Iowa Workforce Development (IWD), PROMISE JOBS provides employment and training services designed to help Iowans move from crisis to long-term independence. Alongside the Family Development and Self-Sufficiency (FaDSS) program, this effort is grounded in evidence-based coaching, measurable outcomes and a deep commitment to helping Iowans thrive.

"Iowa is reimagining how we support families," said Kelly Garcia, Director at Iowa HHS. "We are no longer focused solely on compliance metrics like Work Participation Rates. Instead, we are centering our work on the real-life goals, strengths and challenges of the people we serve."

"Participation in the TANF pilot will enable Iowa to design smarter, more effective programs that change lives—not just for today, but for generations to come. We are thrilled to select Iowa to help lead the charge to modernize how state’s support individuals and families," said ACF Acting Assistant Secretary Andrew Gradison.

The newly launched pilot initiative introduces a three-step coaching model to help participants build personalized pathways to self-sufficiency:

1. Comprehensive Assessment & Navigation – Case managers use the “Stepping Stones” tool to assess needs across key life domains including housing, childcare, health, and employment. Based on these insights, families are guided into one of three targeted program tracks: Education/Training, Work Readiness, or Direct Employment.
2. Individualized Planning – Families co-create customized action plans that promote accountability, skill development, and sustainable progress.
3. Job Retention & Advancement – Once employment is secured, participants transition into “PROMISE JOBS 2.0,” a post-employment coaching phase that continues for up to one year. This phase includes retention and advancement planning, workplace skills training, and supports like emergency savings accounts (EMAs) and fatherhood engagement programs.

Iowa’s approach reflects a broader commitment to systemic change. Strategies include:

• Community-based economic mobility hubs to coordinate wraparound services;
• Enhanced tools for financial decision-making and savings;
• Employer partnerships to support job placement and career advancement;
• The Thrive model, a community-led care coordination effort using local navigators and technology to eliminate service gaps.

This innovative model also places strong emphasis on measuring what matters. Iowa is investing in outcomes beyond short-term employment—focusing on education attainment, credentialing, family well-being, and economic stability. The state is actively fostering partnerships across sectors—public, private, philanthropic, and community-based—to ensure sustainable impact.

Guiding principles of the pilot include:

• Making data-driven, evidence-based decisions.
• Using public resources responsibly to improve lives.
• Building trust through honest, respectful relationships.
• Removing barriers to access and inclusion.
• Prioritizing the voices of individuals and communities served.

Acceptance into the pilot cohort means that Iowa’s participants are not subject to meeting the antiquated measurement of Work Participation Rate for the duration of the pilot. This allows the state the freedom to implement initiatives that actually work for Iowans and families. The outcomes of these five pilot programs will inform the future framework and direction for TANF employment and training. Iowa HHS is proud to champion this transformative model and stands prepared to collaborate with federal and national partners to scale and sustain these innovations.

This email was sent to you by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services. https://hhs.iowa.gov/