The Voices Project

Why are our children being left behind?

The cover headline of yesterday's Boston Metro blared "Mass.'s poor children are being left behind" and "Child welfare report ranks state dead last in caring for needy kids." The headline is not nearly as shocking to those, like myself, that have or know children living in poverty unable to gain the early childhood development supports they need from lack of funding, age restrictions, and/or accessibility. The article cites a report by the Baltimore-based Annie E. Casey Foundation, stating:

"The report ranks the Commonwealth 50th in the well-being of low-income children based on over 102,000 interviews nationwide that focused on health status, social and emotional well-being, cognitive development and educational attainment, family activities, family and neighborhood context, and socio-economic characteristics. …Among the six categories, Massachusetts ranked last in health status and in social and emotional well-being for low-income children. It was 49th in cognitive development and educational attainment."

The article adds:

"Despite the state’s dismal showing in terms of low-income children [that is, children living in household that earn less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Level], it ranked 21st for those in high-income families and 26th overall. Because of this Massachusetts had the largest disparity of ranking from high- to low-income children."

According to recent reports, Massachusetts is the 5th wealthiest state in the nation (CNN). So, how can a wealthy state like ours—with one of the lowest percentages of children living in poor households in the nation—be ranked the lowest when it comes to child welfare and well-being in essential categories such as health and cognitive development?!

Interactive:

Why is Massachusetts falling behind in assisting low-income families? What solutions would you propose to rectify this situation? Comment Now!

My Viewpoint on Immigration

Immigration is the blueprint, foundation, and backbone of the United States. Freedom of speech, religion, and a dream for a better way of living has always been the morale fiber that has been interwoven throughout the history of this country. 

What is the difference between pulling up to the dock of Ellis Island on an over crowded ship then trying to use anything that is floatable to cross body of water risking one’s life for the same cause or idea?

The rich build businesses, foundations, and estates to pass on to the next generation and so that they will be remembered long after they have left this earth.

The poor tends to pass on heirlooms such as a mother’s wedding ring or dress, a hand-woven quilt, cooking recipes, and folklores about family history.

The Encyclopedia Americana puts it this way:

"People look for a place to settle where they can own land, eat well, vote and enjoy sense of equality and realize opportunities that were once denied the parents."

Has this not always been America’s dream?

So, if one is good enough to take care of their children, clean their house, do errands and take on the jobs that you think are beneath you, then what is wrong with their children sitting in the classroom learning the same as yours?

As long as the Statue of Liberty is out in the New York Harbor saying:

"Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

I considered this to be an open door invitation to anyone anywhere. I believe that everyone has the right to come here to build a life for themselves and their families.

By: Sandra P., Woman to Woman participant