The Tennessee Department of Human Services has contracted MEF Associates and its partner Urban Institute to evaluate the effectiveness of seven pilot programs awarded under the TANF Opportunity Act. These pilot programs intend to provide families comprehensive supports aimed at supporting self-sufficiency and improving family well-being within local communities across Tennessee. The MEF team will conduct an impact evaluation, implementation evaluation, and cost study of the Tennessee Opportunity Pilot Initiative. In addition, the team will conduct a baseline scan, review and recommend measures related to well-being, and create a data dashboard reporting on the circumstances of Tennessee families and children. The goal of this project is to strengthen the State’s understanding of programs that are effective in improving the well-being and economic security of low-income families. This is a multi-year evaluation which will go through December 2026.
