Date of Award
Spring 4-28-2015
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to research information that answers this main question: Do self-sufficiency programs lead single African-American parents ages 20-40 (low-income households) to self-sufficiency? This is the definition of self-sufficiency: Single parent’s households earning enough income whereby they do not need subsidized housing or assistance from federally- funded programs in order to pay for their basic household expenses (shelter, food & clothing). This is an important topic because I was a single parent and can identify with the plight of the residents at Pullman housing apartments, surveyed in the study.
Even though I grew up in a two-parent household, we were economically poor by society’s standards. Even so, one of the major benefits of having a household income below the self-sufficiency standard is that I was eligible for the SETA program. That program gave teenagers like me an opportunity to attend summer school part-time (though my grades were above average) and to gain experience while working a part-time job. In 1984, a few years later, the SETA program gave me another opportunity to take a typing test and work for the Naval Aviation Rework Facility (NARF) in Alameda— securing a federal job meant a stable future. That year was 1984 and I am still employed with the Federal Government— 31 years later. Self-sufficiency programs like SETA work and the opportunity to qualify for federal grants to enroll in college was another benefit—I graduated from Merritt College earning an Associate of Arts Degree in 1984. If those programs helped me, they can help others who are willing to make a commitment.
Recommended Citation
Howard, Cassandra J., "Self-Sufficiency Programs in Contra Costa County Lead Single African American Women with Children to Self-Sufficiency" (2015). EMPA Capstones. 150.
https://digitalcommons.law.ggu.edu/capstones/150