Brice Foundation's Staff; June, 2014.

Since the beginning of 2008 poverty has been a more serious situation here in the U.S. We don’t have to go far to meet families that have been deeply affected by the financial crises that affects millions across the nation as we speak. In fact, statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau show that more than 46.2 million Americans are still struggling to feed their children. There have been skyrocketing foreclosures across the nation due to the fact that many people have been laid off, particularly those living in low-income communities.

Deepening poverty has been linked with rising levels of homelessness and food insecurity/hunger for many Americans and children are particularly the most affected by these conditions. Statistics show that the number of children under the age of 18 living in poverty rose substantially since 2010. According to experts, this is the highest it has ever been since 1993.

Other than homelessness and food insecurity, poverty also has potential effects on children academic achievement especially during early childhood, hunger can make it very difficult for children to focus and to memorize things. Poverty also affects children psychologically. According to a research conducted by the American Psychological Association, children living in poverty are at greater risk of behavioral and emotional problems, such as impulsiveness, difficulty getting along with peers, aggression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and conduct disorder than any other group of children (APA, 2014).

Poverty can also have serious effects on children’s physical health. Many studies show that low birth weight, poor nutrition, chronic health conditions, risky behavior such as smoking, drinking, exposure to violence, and engaging in early sexual activity can be linked to poverty. As a non-profit organization Brice Foundation has helped many families especially children to overcome poverty since 2011.

We have distributed both school kits and health kits to children in poor neighborhoods in both Florida and Georgia. We have also distributed food, clothes, shoes, etc. to those in need here in the U.S. Brice Foundation has also promoted the youth’s participation in cultural activities and sports as well as a way to renounce to violence and other types of anti-social behaviors. In the near future, Brice Foundation will start helping children with behavioral issues and their parents as a way to enhance the relationship between them. To learn more about our work in the U.S. click the link below. click here.