The latest news, analysis and opinion on the state of low-income women and their families from Spotlight on Poverty and Opportunity. This week: Why several single mothers can no longer afford childcare…. Plus, how the “Melanie’s Law” funding may not be enough to help low-income women.
Spotlight on Poverty and Opportunity, a national foundation-led initiative, is excited to collaborate with the Women’s Foundation to bring you the latest news and analysis on women and poverty.
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Here’s this week’s news:
· The New York Times profiles several single mothers who, due to recent budget cuts, can no longer afford childcare at work and now stay home, relying on social services to support their family.
· Although Congress recently passed “Melanie’s Law,” which appropriates funds for education and research into post partum depression, this funding may not be enough to help low-income women who often lack access to services for the condition, according to the Chicago Tribune.
· The Boston Globe interviews several young girls who are a part of Girls Inc. of Lynn, a service club whose program attracts girls ages 6 to 18 from mostly low-income minority families.
· The Washington Times columnist Cheryl Wetzstein argues that a recent study conducted by the Pew Charitable Trusts shows that the damage divorce does to poorer children’s future economic mobility is even greater than the impact suffered from having only one parent.
· After 20 years of providing services to low-income pregnant women and babies in Whatcom County, Mother Baby Center is closing its doors due to a reduction of state funding, as reported in the Bellingham Herald.
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The Spotlight on Poverty and Opportunity team
