Idaho's displaced homemaker program exists to reduce the incidence of poverty among the 59,498 displaced homemakers (according to the 1990 census) and 22,147 single mothers in the state. Of those who participated in Idaho's displaced homemaker programs in fiscal year 1998 (FY1998), 924 (33%) earned less than $5,000 annually, and two-thirds had incomes below the poverty level. Nevertheless, most were trying to exist without public assistance. Idaho's displaced homemakers are served by a network of Centers for New Directions that sponsor activities designed to prepare participants for employment and/or educational opportunities. Highlights from the centers' activities for FY1998 include the following: 6-week employment readiness classes; support groups to help employment readiness training graduates continue to work toward self-sufficiency; a new competency-based curriculum covering effective job-keeping skills; 3-day workshops to help clients identify personal strengths and make the transition into employment; classes for parents going through divorce; and a conference focusing on job options for women in skilled nontraditional occupations. In FY1998, Idaho's Centers for New Directions served 2,515 participants, of whom 812 entered the labor market, 833 entered school/training, and 144 enrolled in nontraditional training. Appended is information about the demographic characteristics of FY1998 displaced homemaker program participants. (MN)