Our Work in the U.S.

Since the end going to the beginning of 2008 poverty has been a more serious issue here in the U.S. for many families. 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. This is roughly about 17% of the U.S. of population. 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, food insecurity/hunger and crime in both rural and suburb communities. Unfortunately, just like in any other country, 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, despite the fact that our government has worked tirelessly to have that turn around.

 

Other than homelessness and food insecurity, poverty has also 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. In fact, 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 (American Psychological Association, 2015).

 

Poverty can also have serious effects on children’s physical health and their developmental stages. Many studies show that low birth weight, poor nutrition, chronic health conditions, risky behavior such as smoking, drinking, violence and 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 every way it can since our existence.

 

We have distributed food, shoes, clothes, school bags, school kits, and health kits to children in poor neighborhoods in both the states of Florida and Georgia. We have also organized health fair where low income individuals can get medical assistance for free. We have also distributed toys and other types of gifts to children every year through a program known as “Christmas for the Poor” that has been supported by many well-known companies and organizations that are working to ease children’s lives across the country, such as: Feed the Children, Walmart, Clean The World, Buckner Foundation, to name a few.

 

Brice Foundation has also promoted social and cultural activities through various churches and local schools, such as; sports and programs that educate the youth about drug and violence, and the consequences that are associated with making those choices 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.