Understanding Poverty

During our last Foundation Building Team meeting we worked to refine a succinct statement that conveys our organization's reason for being. Defining the Mission Statement is time consuming, but well worth the effort. We will measure each programmatic decision against the statement, as well as communicate our reason for being to others.

Our Mission Statement:

"Chloe's Place, a Christ-centered ministry, empowers young, single moms to become self sufficient, resilient and adaptable, breaking the cycle of poverty".

Breaking the cycle of poverty is paramount to our work! To gain a better understanding of poverty and how to bring about change, I am reading an incredible book by Ruby Payne, PhD. A Framework for Understanding Poverty. There is a wealth of information and insightful revelations in this book. Here is an excerpt from the book:
" Typically, poverty is thought of in terms of financial resources only. However, the reality is that financial resources, while extremely important, do not explain the differences in the success with which individuals leave poverty nor the reasons that many stay in poverty. The ability to leave poverty is more dependent upon other resources than it is upon financial resources. Each of these re sources plays a vital role in the success of an individual.
Emotional resources provide the stamina to withstand difficult and uncomfortable emotional situations and feelings...
Mental resources are simply being able to process information and use it in daily living...
Spiritual resources are the belief that help can be obtained from a higher power, that there is a purpose for living and that worth and love are gifts from God...
Physical resources are having a body that works, that is capable and mobile...
Support systems are resources.
Relationships/role models are resources. All individuals have role models...
Knowledge of hidden rules is crucial to whatever class in which the individual wishes to live. Hidden rules exist in poverty, in middle class, and in wealth, as well as in ethnic groups and other units of people..."

"The culture of poverty has some universal characteristics which transcend regional, rural-urban, and even national differences... There are remarkable similarities in family structure, interpersonal relations, time orientations, value systems, spending patterns, and the sense of community in lower-class settlements in London, Glasgow, Paris, Harlem, and Mexico City."

Oscar Lewis, Four Horsemen

When I read important book I highlight what I may want to refer to in the future. This book is very colorful now... with an abundance of yellow highlights. I beleive this will be an excellent resource to use in staff and volunteer orientation.