August 31, 2000 - A life of success is not likely for a child without access to personal computers, enough books or teachers in the class room, or a school where personal safety is an ongoing concern. Children who spend hours a day picking strawberries in fields next to their parents to generate food money are not likely to receive a decent education and are likely to receive health problems because of pesticides and hard labor. Stress heightens as families and communities have to make choices about life’s basic needs and often leads to violence at home, school, or in the community.
Though the nation is currently booming economically, poverty among children is higher today than it was 20 years ago, according to a study by the National Center for Children in Poverty at Columbia University.
The New York Times reported about the study on August 11, citing that more than 13 million U.S. children live in poverty. That’s an increase of three million children over 1979 figures.
"Poverty is systemic," says Lois Dauway, assistant general secretary of Christian Social Responsibility of the Women’s Division of The United Methodist Church. "Children living in poverty don’t get the healthcare they need. Unhealthy children miss more days of school; they don’t concentrate in school; they have basic needs, like food, on their mind. They’re also less likely to attend schools that have good classrooms, computers, and enough teachers or books."
Poverty infiltrates all facets of a child’s life– health, home, education. Because of this, it’s rare to find children who have found their way out of their engulfing circumstances, according to Ms. Dauway.
"For more than a hundred years, United Methodist Women and their predecessor organizations have been looking for ways to help children get out of the deluge of poverty. With the Bishop’s Initiative on poverty, the whole denomination has begun to focus on it. The work needs to continue until poverty is eliminated," says Ms. Dauway.
Making changes to the system involves working with grass roots organizations to create a supportive environment for children in communities; legislative advocacy on behalf of women and children; and educating churches about poverty, empowerment and what can be done.
United Methodist Women give more than $5 million each year to national ministries with women, children and youth. Grants on behalf of children and youth creatively address poverty and changing the entangling cycle. Some things include prevention projects for high-risk teenagers; Christian mentoring programs and tutoring; classes in industrial arts; instrumental music and art; theater projects that teach about stopping violence; and education for unwed, pregnant minors.
A 10-year-old with street smarts, who has been exposed to violence and abuse, is one of the children who is bound for problems as he ages. But, United Methodist Women-supported Spofford Home in Kansas City is one of the national mission institutions intervening through clinical, group, and art therapy, along with an accredited elementary school.
Angenise Jones is another success case, according to an April Response magazine article. Married, with five children, Ms. Jones turned to the Wesley Child Care Center in Cincinnati. The center gave her help in writing a resume and finding a job. Her children attend the center’s day-care and after-school program. And, when her oldest son needed counseling, the center helped find a place to fit his needs.
"There are nearly 100 bills pending in Congress that have children as a focal point," says Susie Johnson, executive secretary for public policy with the Women’s Division. The United Methodist Women’s Action Network highlights bills of major importance to the welfare of children.
In September, United Methodists through the United Methodist Women’s Action Network have been urged to contact their Congressional members and advocate on behalf of children. When Congress adjourned last year, it failed to include an additional $818 million that the Senate had approved for the Child Care and Development Block Grant (HR 2693). With 64 percent of mothers with children under age six, and 78 percent of mothers with children ages 6-13 in the labor force, United Methodist Women feel child care is needed for all working parents.
Most former welfare recipients are now working for pay between $5.50 and $7.00 per hour, which is not enough to lift families out of poverty. The bipartisan Hunger Relief Act (S1805/HR 3192) would extend the reach of food stamps to more hungry families.
The Federal Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which provides programs, laws, and funds for domestic violence shelters and services to end domestic violence, is also in danger of not being re-authorized. This year alone, over 3 million women have been severely abused and 1,000 children have died from family violence.
Responding to pleas from the United Methodist Women’s Action Network, hundreds of United Methodist Women call senators and congress persons each year advocating for legislation that will move women and children out of poverty. "United Methodists need to join together and respond to these travesties against children," says Ms. Dauway.
"Until women and youth have a stronger voice in the decisions affecting their lives, this will be our number one concern. Until children have strong advocates in the general population, we will champion their cause," says a policy statement of the Women’s Division.
"Every year, whether it’s a popular or unpopular notion, you will see United Methodist Women involved in projects, programs, and advocacy to move children and families out of poverty," says Ms. Dauway.
The Women’s Division represents United Methodist Women, a one-million member organization whose purpose is to foster spiritual growth, develop leaders and advocate for justice. Members raise more than $20 million a year for programs and projects related to women, children and youth in the United States and in more than 100 countries around the world.
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