Take it from me

"Take It From Me" is the story of four women struggling against great odds to raise themselves and their families out of the poverty in New York City. It is also an in-depth look at the human impact of the 1996 Personal Responsibility Act and its five-year limit on public assistance. Has welfare reform been successful? Are the former public assistance recipients better off once they leave welfare? Shot over a two-year period, "Take It From Me" lets the film's participants speak for themselves.

The film aired on PBS’ POV series in 2001 and won the Henry Hampton Award. You can order the film through New Days films or watch it now on Kanopy. Please fill out our "Host a Screening" form for educational/institutional screening inquiries.

“With sympathy but without condescension, “Take It From Me” illuminates the complexity of poverty and the erroneous simplicity of much government policy… a powerful, heartfelt documentary.”

— Julie Salamon, THE NEW YORK TIMES

“Take It From Me” goes behind the numbers for a close-up look at individual New Yorkers struggling with poverty and the loss of public assistance. Here are scenes with more emotional impact than a dozen government reports. Bottom line: Take It Seriously.”

— Terry Kelleher, PEOPLE MAGAZINE