In church, school, and in certain circles of the non-profit world, we often talk passionately about the fight to end poverty. How millions of Americans live without adequate housing, food, and other resources necessary to survive and thrive. But rarely do we hear the term child poverty. In the year 2013, 20 million children lived in poverty in the United States, defined as families whose annual incomes are below the federal poverty level of $23,550. This means their parents make about half the amount needed to cover their basic expenses. Despite being the world’s largest economy, 22% of our children lack access to basic needs, not to mention education and healthcare.
Imagine this: you are a single parent of four children, ages 8, 5, 2, and 4 months, working two jobs. You moved to this town three years ago to help care for your parents, who are in poor health. Your two oldest attend school, leaving you to find day care for the younger ones. Your parents sometimes watch them but it becomes challenging when their health does not allow them to cook meals or go outside to play with the children. The 8-year old is a very bright student, but the school he attends lacks in opportunities to excel. The classrooms have limited resources and he feels bored during class, because he already knows the answers. The teacher doesn’t have time to move ahead with him while the rest of the class learns at their own pace. Back at home, you struggle to put food on the table. You get off work at 4:00 to pick up the kids, and leave them at their grandparents at night while working second shift at a fast-food restaurant. This is just one snapshot of child poverty.
What issues do we see in this vivid reality? Jobs that pay less than living expenses. A poor school system due to economic hardship and a state unwilling to invest in public education. A parent who must care for not only their children, but also their parents. A child whose talents are quelled by a limited support system. According to the National Center for Children in Poverty, “poverty can impede children’s ability to learn and contribute to social, emotional, and behavioral problems…risks are greatest for children who experience poverty when they are young.” At-risk children are more vulnerable to these obstacles than a child who lives in a home where parents have the resources to provide three meals a day, take an active role in their child’s education, and visit the doctor when their kids are sick.
We’re not experts on education, but it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that something more needs to be done to address child poverty in the U.S., and more specifically, in Alabama (the child poverty rate here is 27%!).
So what does this mean for ARM? Many children in rural Alabama live in difficult economic conditions. Of course, this doesn’t mean these kids don’t enjoy life – they still go to school and come home to families who love them. But the going gets tough. One of the ways we are working to end child poverty is through Sonshine Kids Day Camp. At day camp our summer staff and volunteers plan activities to help kids improve reading and math skills, in order succeed in school and create dreams for the future. It’s also a fun, safe environment for their children to come where they are guaranteed two meals a day, snacks, and fun, engaging activities with other children their age.
Check out this video from the Catholic Campaign for Human Development that tells the story of families living in poverty. Currently, children have a higher rate of poverty than any other age group. How can we help end child poverty today?
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