The 2Gen approach recognizes that achieving economic mobility for families requires listening to family voice to inform advocacy, system change, and service provision. It involves looking at systems from a whole family perspective, prioritizing equity, and utilizing research and evidence at all levels. This is a bipartisan approach to supporting healthy, thriving communities that is gaining momentum nationwide.

Research shows that this approach produces strong results and has a high return on investment, as the positive outcomes for both parents and children are greater when addressed through a 2Gen approach than when they are addressed separately. By integrating child and parent support and prioritizing coordination and cooperation between programs, the 2Gen approach maximizes community resources and achieves a multiplier effect across and within generations. 

The theory of change is based on the logic model from the Austin and Travis County United Way: