Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

In 1996, Congress and the President changed welfare law, making welfare temporary and requiring work of all welfare recipients capable of work. This new law, known as PRWORA, created Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) which encourages personal responsibility through employment. In Virginia, cash assistance is available for only two years and work activity is focused on self-sufficiency.

Recipients of Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), the welfare benefit of the Virginia Department of Social Services (DSS), who have disabilities, have always been among individuals served by the Department of Rehabilitative Services (DRS). As part of Virginia's welfare reform, the 1998 General Assembly (GA), provided funds for specialized employment services for individuals with disabilities who receive TANF and DRS was designated to implement the services.

Most recently DRS successfully competed for and was awarded $1,089,000.00 in TANF grant funding, which is in place until May 31, 2006. This newest initiative provided for Dedicated TANF caseloads, which are expected to be a more effective way of assisting these consumers. DRS is a partner in grant awards made throughout VA by DSS, and we are working statewide to provide appropriate employment services for these clients in collaboration with local Departments of Social Services.

Dedicated TANF Staff include:

Counselors
Sandy Bandas
City of Richmond, Henrico and Chesterfield counties
804-367-0175

Andrew Stowe, M.Ed.
Charlottesville, Louisa, Green, Nelson, Fluvanna, and Albemarle counties
434-296-5621

Holly Liebl, M.Ed., C.R.C.
Fairfax -South County and Falls Church
703-960-3411

Ralph Figaro, M.Ed.
Fairfax - City of Reston
703-277-3545

Keesha DeLoatch, M.S., C.R.C.
Portsmouth and Virginia Beach
757-686-4992

Vocational Evaluator
Susan Cianfaglione, M.Ed., C.V.E.
Portsmouth and Virginia Beach
757-686-4988

The requirements of the Virginia Initiative for Employment not Welfare, (VIEW), the work component of the TANF program, are complicated, and the DRS TANF Program Coordinator is available to answer questions and provide technical assistance to all Counselors who are assisting these clients. Frequent training is also available online.

You may review the employment service descriptions and array of services offered by Employment Service Organizations and Centers for Independent Living by going to the Services Page.

Contact Information
Al Jones, TANF Coordinator
8004 Franklin Farms Drive
Richmond, Va. 23229
(804) 662-7219
E-mail: Al.Jones@drs.virginia.gov