The multigenerational approach

"We have the honor and responsibility to help people build and maintain well-being throughout life. There may be many touch points with human services as children grow into adults and throughout their lifespan. We know that families get the best results when we approach them holistically, addressing each factor that can move them beyond the daily struggle to survive and toward achievement of their highest potential. The multigenerational approach integrates resources from across the department, through an equity lens, to focus on the needs of all generations in a household so families create brighter futures for themselves together."

-Fariborz Pakseresht, Director, Oregon Department of Human Services

Multigeneration, or 2Gen as it is known nationally, is an approach to alleviating poverty by integrating services that address the needs of the whole family.

Multigen recognizes families define themselves and often come in all different shapes and sizes. Families often include people from multiple generations.

Our approach partners with the family and local communities as equals. It articulates and tracks outcomes for both children and the adults in their lives.

The multigen approach aligns with Oregon's Self-Sufficiency Programs' (SSPs') Family Engagement Model. This family-centered, strength-based approach centers on equity. It supports families to make decisions, set goals and achieve desired outcomes. Authentic family engagement with SSP thrives when focusing on the strengths, assets and dreams of entire families versus starting with the economic challenges and barriers an individual faces.

Real changes toward economic mobility occur when those most affected by the issue are engaged and motivated throughout the process. Relationships between SSP staff and participants thrive when open and honest communication honors culture, diversity, family dynamics, individual experiences and choice.

What do Oregon families need to thrive?

The multigenerational approach draws from findings that confirm this premise: When parents thrive, children tend to thrive — and vice versa. All families need these essentials to thrive.

What are the principles that guide multigen work?

These principles guide all multigenerational programs, policies and strategies.