Helping Kids Succeed
Truly, Bridge to Success is a critical program, ensuring stop-gap support to families who otherwise would fall through the cracks left by our social support network.
Washington, DC Public Charter Schools
Wow! Thank you so much for getting Michael new glasses! He has been without glasses since June, and it has been difficult for him to read what was written on the blackboard which hindered his ability to fully participate in class. He is so excited to be able to see again! "Wow Look!" I can see all the signs!" Michael exclaimed as we drove back to school. He called out every store, food chain and landmark from Laurel to Landover. Many Thanks!
Prince Georges County Public Schools
The students at the elementary school were so surprised to receive the new jeans from Neediest Kids. The girls' faces lit up with excitement when they found out that the jeans were a donation and that they could have two pairs each. They were appreciative and thankful for the donation.
Washington, DC Public Schools
Childhood poverty in the DC metro area
The Need is Great. . .and Growing
Thirty-seven percent of all students in the DC Metro qualify for a free or reduced priced meal (FARMS), a primary indicator of poverty. That means that approximately one-quarter of a million students in the DC Metro area struggle to make ends meet. That number is frighteningly large enough, but according to the Wider Opportunities for Women Self-Sufficiency Standards, a family of four requires an income of $60,000 to $70,000 to be self-sufficient and the Council for Community and Economic Research ranked the DC Metro Area as having the third highest cost of living in the United States. It seems safe to say that far greater than thirty-seven percent of DC metro area children are lacking the basic essentials they need to succeed in school. Childhood poverty hides in plain sight in every county and in every corner of the Washington, Maryland, and Virginia.
See the Essential Numbers
© 2012 Neediest Kids
