The Census bureau’s newly released poverty numbers for 2011 show that 46.2 million Americans today live in poverty, that’s 1 in 6 of our neighbors who are struggling every day to make ends meet. And that leaves out the many millions more that live beyond the technical definition of poverty but far from what any of us would consider economic stability.
All of this underscores the importance of the work we are doing at LIFT in cities across our nation. These numbers also intensify our desire to tell the stories of the real people who are getting lost behind these charts and graphs.
“It’s time that we look beyond the statistics. Behind these numbers are individuals and families working hard to ensure that their children have a chance to grow up in an America where the American dream is a reality to them”, says Kirsten Lodal, LIFT CEO and Founder.
Though the poverty numbers haven’t changed significantly since 2010, at LIFT our clients are seeing life changing results. Behind those numbers are some of our most resilient community members like Angela, a Philadelphia native who through working with LIFT not only found employment helping other Philadelphians get on their feet, but who found a restored hope and passion for her own community.
Or Gary, who after working in the aviation industry for over twenty years was laid off and unable to provide for his family. LIFT and Gary worked together not only to find Gary employment, but to restore his sense of pride and confidence.
At LIFT our clients are not one in six. They are Angelas, Garys, Beckys, Aarons. They have names and they have hopes and dreams. And thanks to the countless supporters, staff members, advocates, and community partners, we press on lifting individuals, families, and communities.
If you are new to LIFT, please consider joining our community of LIFTers by getting involved today.
If you are a LIFTer, please take a moment to tell us why you LIFT!