10.2190/SH.4.3.f WX315XV361J0541R 7 An Assessment of Welfare Recipients' Abilities to Meet Employers' Demands: Can Self-Sufficiency Be Achieved Under TANF? 257 269 20090522 20090522 20090522 20090522 WX315XV361J0541R.pdf http://baywood.metapress.com/link.asp?target=contribution&id=WX315XV361J0541R 3 Isaac D. Montoya Texas Medical Center, Houston The purpose of this study is to examine the potential effectiveness of Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF) in achieving the goals of self-sufficiency through "work first" initiatives. A sample of 252 female TANF recipients was interviewed every 4 months for 1 year. Cluster analysis was used to group recipients by critical labor market variables including education, knowledge, skills, abilities (KSAs), and substance abuse. Results revealed 2 groups of recipients, 1 with significantly higher levels of education and KSAs and lower levels of substance use. 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