More than 16 million children live in poverty in the United States. While that number alone is staggering, the stories behind it are what truly pack the punch.

This article from the Washington Post (“A lonely road”) shares the raw story of Lauren Scott’s undeterred quest to secure employment, rise above poverty and build a better life for her young daughter. Showcasing her many obstacles, Scott’s narrative serves as a powerful reminder that poverty is a complex problem that cannot be solved in isolation. It requires a strategic, systematic approach to adequately serve those in need.

At the Bainum Family Foundation, we are committed to serving the whole child — understanding how intertwined issues surrounding poverty short-circuit sincere attempts to achieve self-sufficiency. We believe in the big picture, and we’re in this for the long haul. Learn more about how we are expanding services for infants and toddlers in the District of Columbia’s Wards 7 and 8.