Community Needs
What You should know…
There is a tremendous need for programs that provide constructive activities and support our children during the after school hours and throughout the summer.
This need is most evident for high-risk youth in low-income neighborhoods, with significantly higher than average incidences of crime, truancy, loitering, and drug use. The Children’s Defense Fund1 reported that violent crime
by young people ages 10-17 peaks between 3 PM and 7 PM; 1 out 15 of our children are dropouts; children and teens in poor neighborhoods are struggling for direction and positive opportunities are needed to keep them safe and on-track; a great majority of all American fourth graders cannot read or do math at grade level. Take a look a few moments in our children’s lives.
Moments in America for ALL Children…
• Every second a public school student is suspended*
• Every 11 seconds a high school student drops out*
• Every 19 seconds a child is arrested.
• Every 20 seconds a public school student is corporally punished*
• Every 21 seconds a baby is born to an unmarried mother
• Every 35 seconds a child is confirmed as abused or neglected
• Every minute a baby is born to a teen mother
• Every 4 minutes a child is arrested for a drug offense
• Every 7 minutes a child is arrested for a violent crime
• Every 44 minutes a child or teen dies from an accident
• Every 3 hours a child or teen is killed by a firearm
• Every 5 hours a child or teen commits suicide
Furthermore…
Research on academics, sports, and recreation has shown that participation in supervised after-school, weekend, and summer programs not only keep children safe and out of trouble; they also significantly improve their academic achievement, self-esteem, and overall attitude and outlook.
If you want to help us make a change, please register as a partner, or simply Support Our Cause and Donate Now.