Evaluation of the Whole Family Approach in Southern New Jersey
In collaboration with the Pascale Sykes Foundation, the Senator Walter Rand Institute for Public Affairs (WRI) examined the impact of the Whole Family Approach on the well-being of families with two caregivers over a seven-year period. Research captured data among eight collaboratives serving families in Southern New Jersey. Results revealed the positive impact of the Whole Family Approach:
The Walter Rand Institute evaluation revealed numerous significant positive impacts, among which are:

The First Adult Caregiver reported a significant improvement in children’s educational outcomes and experiences.

The Second Adult Caregiver reported significantly reduced financial challenges and stress.

Both Caregivers saw a significant increase in the help given and received in their relationship.
COVID Impacts, Supporting Collaboratives: A Qualitative Evaluation of Collaboratives’ Work with the Whole Family Approach During the COVID-19 Pandemic
In response to the dual shock of the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic hardship, Whole Family Approach collaboratives have adapted their work and their outreach to meet emergent needs. This research by the Senator Walter Rand Institute for Public Affairs (WRI), with support from the Pascale Sykes Foundation, examines the range of responses collaboratives have implemented to mitigate the impacts of this pandemic on the families and communities they serve.
Evaluation of the Whole Family Approach in Urban Settings
With funding from the Pascale Sykes Foundation, a research team at the University of Pennsylvania is collecting survey data from 138 families served by two collaboratives applying the Whole Family Approach in the New York City metro area — Familia Adelante in the South Bronx, and Families for Literacy in Jersey City, NJ. The research captures changes from December 2018 to June 2019 among these families. The full report will be available soon. While the program implementation is ongoing, and it is too early to report outcome data, early analysis reveals promising trends:
- Child well-being is improving with young people expressing optimism and a sense of agency about their future.
- Relationships between parents and children are improving.
- Adult well-being is improving, particularly mental health.
- Feelings of financial competence are increasing. Parents, especially women, feel more confident in their ability to effectively manage money.
COVID-19 Whole Family Approach Impact Research
In early 2020, the emergence of COVID-19 drastically and fundamentally changed the organization of social and economic life in the United States. For approximately six weeks in April and May, the research team at the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy & Practice (UPenn) gathered data describing the impact of the Whole Family Approach as applied by two social service collaboratives in the New York City metro area: Familia Adelante in the South Bronx and Families for Literacy in Jersey City, NJ. UPenn conducted a series of interviews across both collaboratives to understand the specific challenges faced by the collaboratives and their responses to these challenges using the Whole Family Approach within the urban landscape.
Success Stories
The following stories show the real impact of the Whole Family Approach on families and service providers across a range of issues and settings.



