Mothers Take Action to Modernize TANF

New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty worked with mothers who came forward to share their stories of the significant barriers that stopped them from getting help through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families/New Mexico Works (TANF).   TANF provides a small amount of cash assistance and work supports to very low-income families with children. It is one of the only public programs that offers parents and children essential financial support during times of hardship. But very few families actually get assistance. TANF only reaches 40% of eligible families because of outdated and punitive requirements that make it difficult to enroll and stay enrolled.   In addition to helping produce this powerful video series, New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty identified practical reforms to improve this program and continues to advocate with New Mexico moms for access to and expansion of this essential program. 

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