Breaking Free of Poverty

Editor's Note

William McKenzie

What compassionate conservatism means for Americans living in poverty

Poverty Comes with Few Good Choices

The Catalyst asked Terry Flowers to present some of the difficult choices that families in his community must make. Below are some of those choices, which are based upon actual situations.

Using the Marketplace to Revitalize Overlooked Communities

Senator Tim Scott (R-South Carolina)

A new bipartisan policy rooted in compassionate conservatism aims to create opportunity in communities stuck in cyclical poverty. Through encouraging private investment, the initiative hopes to promote economic growth in low-income areas across the nation.

How Schools Can Best Support Children Living in Poverty

Anne Wicks

Using data from high-quality assessments in schools can help school leaders identify pathways forward in the fight against poverty.

Breaking the Link Between Mental Health and Poverty

Julie Hersh

Although poverty and mental health seem inextricably linked, proactively working to combat depression through smart initiatives like those at Paul Quinn College in Dallas is proving effective at breaking the cycle.

The Case for Women's Health Care

Natalie Gonnella-Platts

If the core responsibility of government is to care for its people, it is in our best interest as a nation to ensure that women and girls everywhere have the access, care, and support they need to fulfill their potential throughout their lives.

The Fight Against Breast Cancer Illustrates the Health Care Challenges of Women in Poverty

Dr. Quyen Chu

Progress has been made in expanding access to health care for the poor, but the quality of care still lags behind and can result in less successful outcomes for underserved patients.

People and Place: Building Better Transportation Systems

For many low-income individuals the problem is not finding employment, but rather having the means to get there. Outdated public transportation systems and isolated communities make getting to high-paying jobs a job of its own.

Engaging Individuals and Changing Systems

From adopting policies that address systemic issues to individuals focused on their corner of the world, combating poverty takes a collective effort.

Cities Need Goals and Capital to Fight Poverty

Mike Rawlings

Tackling poverty requires more than great ideas. In Dallas, the GrowSouth initiative helped to bring economic opportunity to an underutilized region through public-private partnerships.

Redemption: Creating Hope for Gang Members

Father Gregory Boyle

Father Gregory Boyle founded Homeboy Industries to treat the underlying causes of gang violence. The secret sauce is a community of tenderness focused on fundamental healing.

Changing the Narrative Around People in Poverty

Wes Moore

Honest conversations will help eliminate the misconceptions about people living in poverty. The barriers to mobility are complex, and a realistic narrative will help lead to greater economic and social mobility.

Cities Point the Way in Promoting Opportunity and Reducing Poverty

J.H. Cullum Clark, Kristin Kent Spanos, Sarah Beth Luckey

American cities can thrive or suffer from policy decisions. Five cities in the Northwest stand out as having mastered the fundamentals to promote inclusive economic opportunity.

Art Saves Lives

Pamela Nelson

To the artists of the Stewpot, their work is more than a hobby or an escape: It is a place of belonging, a outlet for expression, and even a potential source of income.