About the Indiana Institute for Working Families

Overview of the Institute

The Indiana Institute for Working Families conducts research and promotes public policies to help Hoosier families achieve and maintain economic self-sufficiency. The Indiana Institute for Working Families, a program of the Indiana Community Action Association (IN-CAA), was founded in 2004. The Institute is the only statewide program in Indiana that combines research and policy analysis on federal and state legislation, public policies, and programs impacting low-income working families with education and outreach. The Institute achieves its work by focusing its activities in the following areas: public policy research and analysis; advocacy, education, and information; and national, statewide, and community partnerships.

The Institute has completed a number of research reports and has become a reliable source for information on low-income workers in Indiana. The Institute furthers the debate that sometimes work alone is not enough to support a family and that the educational and training needs of Indiana’s workforce must be addressed in order for Indiana to compete in a global economy. The Institute plans to build upon our success to impact public policy issues through continued outreach, education and research.

Who Benefits From the Work of the Institute?

Our activities benefit low-wage workers and families including: workers and families of various ages and races with incomes generally below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines and individuals who have barriers to work such as low literacy levels, domestic violence, addiction, health care problems, and mental illnesses.

The audience served by the Indiana Institute for Working Families includes: policymakers, legislators, private sector stakeholders, public/private partners, service providers, community and state college stakeholders, workforce stakeholders, advocates, and the public.

2012 Institute Advisory Committee

Members—members document
The Indiana Institute for Working Families’ (Institute’s) Advisory Committee is designed to support the Institute's work activities by providing information, resources, creditability, and feedback to the Institute. The intent of the Advisory Committee is not to be a governing body.

Institute Staff

IIWF Program Manager
Jessica Fraser

Senior Policy Analyst
Derek Thomas

Senior Policy Analyst
Andrew Bradley