Packed with Smiles’ Post

In 2023, Comic Relief US awarded $28.85M in grants, directly impacting 1.7M+ children across 57 countries! From education to health, we're committed to breaking the cycle of poverty. Learn more about our impact: https://hubs.la/Q02Y_5M90

Give a Young Person a Reason to Smile. For just $9 a month, you can transform the life of a young person living in extreme poverty. Your support provides tools, training, and a supportive community—helping them become safe, healthy, and skilled for long-term success. Show them someone believes in their potential and give them the hope they deserve. Together, we can empower young lives. Link in the first comment.

Our mission is to transform the lives of children trapped in poverty through Christ-centered, holistic care. But what exactly does the word “transform” mean?  It means comprehensive flourishing that happens through layers of change in a child's life. The inner layer, spiritual change, refers to the hope found only in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and the new creation a child becomes when he/she surrenders his/her life to Him (2 Cor. 5:17).  The next layer of change is physical. When children receive the nutritious meals, safe drinking water, and health care they need to thrive physically, they can reach their full, God-given potential.  The third layer of change is one of opportunities. Access to quality education, vocational training, life skills coaching, and spiritual discipleship can equip and empower children to build brighter futures and walk in the purpose God has for their lives.  Thanks to God’s leadership and your faithfulness, together we are able to transform the lives of children living in poverty!  2023 Stats: Communities Served-58 Received Medical Care-2,416 Lives Impacted-9,597 total (4,908 children) Hours of Education and Tutoring-649,752 Received Abstinence Training-1,531

When you invest in the children we serve, you become part of something bigger — one community united to end the cycle of poverty. Not only does your planned gift ensure we have the resources needed to continue our important mission, but it also empowers children and youth to create lasting change. Your generosity creates a ripple effect that will last for generations. #MultiplyGood with your legacy and uncover the giving option that works best for your goals here: https://lnkd.in/ePr3VaQm #NationalEstatePlanningAwarenessWeek

I am deeply grateful for the voice and leadership of Drs. Dave A. Chokshi, MD and Mary Bassett in activating fierce action to end child poverty in New York State (article link below). We have the means (NYS is one of the highest-income states) and we know what works (child tax credits / income support), given the evidence of tax credits during Covid and through innovations around the country. Yet, nearly 20% of children in NYS live in poverty (more starkly, 35% of children in the Bronx; 46% of children in Syracuse and more than 1/3 of children in Buffalo, Gov Hochul's home city, live in poverty). The benefit of investing in children is better health, better school attendance, better outcomes for children and families. It also ties to improvements in adult productivity and declines in crime. Who are we as a state if we allow this amount of suffering, yet can reduce or eliminate it? Learn how you can advocate for NYS and Gov. Hochul's administration to effectively address child poverty - follow Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy's page and go to their web site. Full article here: https://lnkd.in/esZWtJDM

United Way Blackhawk Region opens pathways for our children to thrive. Join us in building solutions for the 41% of children statewide whose families couldn’t afford basics in 2022 – including 13% in poverty and 28% who are ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed). ALICE families earn above the Federal Poverty Level but less than the cost of basics. Learn more: LiveUnitedBR.org/alice

When you were a kid, did you ever dream of befriending a Penguin, crushing a car in a monster truck, or eating your way through your own Cotton Candy Castle? Now's your chance with the #RedNoseDay Childhood Dreamstakes campaign, which taps into the fun, whimsy, nostalgic part of being a kid. Comic Relief US we believe children everywhere should experience the joy and wonder of being a kid. We strive for a world with less childhood poverty and more childhood. Funds from this year's #RedNoseDay campaign will benefit programs that help ensure less childhood poverty. So that means more education, safer places to live, health check-ups, and empowered kids. As kids have greater opportunities to thrive, they are more likely to break the cycle of poverty for future generations. So check out the Childhood Dreamstakes campaign https://bit.ly/4bo5ZHD and enter to win one of six whacky prizes all supporting one serious mission - ending childhood poverty. 🔴

A New York free of child poverty would mean more families are able to provide the things every parent wants for their children: nourishing meals, safe and stable housing, consistent health care, and opportunities to play sports and participate in the arts. We could break cycles of generational hardship, creating pathways to lasting success and stability. If we eliminated child poverty, New York’s children would be healthier, safer, and more likely to thrive as they enter adulthood. Where will New York be in 2032, the finish line set by our leaders for cutting the state’s child poverty rate in half? We find ourselves reflecting on this question not just as doctors but as a father and a grandmother, respectively. Regardless of our occupation or our political persuasion, we should all agree that failure to protect our children dims the future for everyone. New York ought to lead the way toward a brighter tomorrow, starting with halving child poverty and ultimately eliminating it altogether. https://lnkd.in/eY5sV2uh

Please read this powerful Op-Ed, co-authored by our Co-Chair, Miguel A. Santana. "Measure A would help provide the dedicated resources for housing programs and critical services that our communities need to weather these challenges without disrupting their education to break the cycle of instability. Without stable housing, students struggle to succeed academically and emotionally, leading to long-term consequences for our communities. By shifting some of the county’s homelessness funding toward preventive and family-focused solutions, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of children and help break the cycle of poverty and homelessness". Read more here ⤵️ https://lnkd.in/gQgNHBJi