Today in the District of Columbia, “race and place” are predictive of children’s healthy development and for success in school and life. That’s why, at the Bainum Family Foundation, our work is conducted through the same lens.

This interactive map from our partner DC Action for Children uses DC Kids Count Data (“Where resources and well-being vary in DC”) to provide a stark reminder of why we do what we do — and why we focus geographically on the District of Columbia’s Wards 7 and 8. In neighborhoods in these Wards, more than 90% of children under 18 are black, and in most neighborhoods, poverty rates for these children are over 50%.

Our own research (“Infants and Toddlers in the District of Columbia: A Statistical Look at Needs and Disparities”) reflects these findings and the need to focus on this population. It was instrumental in shaping our new strategy. As we head into 2017, and the years to follow, we know one thing is clear: Our commitment to our mission — and eliminating race and place as predictors of a child’s success — will remain unshaken.