When you attack poverty you attack racism; when you just attack racism, you're still stuck with poverty."
-Greg Enas
Greg Enas is no stranger to the effort of improving lives. As a PhD in Biostatistics, he was trained in researching questions in medicine and biology to improve pubic health. His working life is all about turning data into knowledge in his work as a strategic planner.But Greg sees a broader picture when he addresses public health here in Indianapolis. He sees kids who are hungry, mothers who can't pay the rent, and men who need jobs and can't support their families. Poverty affects everything. From the health and well-being of the family to the increase in crime and the overwhelming hopelessness and high unemployment of entire neighborhoods.
Racism is an insidious infection that has been around for far too long. Why would we accept that? There may always be haters, but if we attack poverty we can help those who have been most affected by it, and begin to build a solid footing under those who deserve it most.
At UNITE INDY we work with many who live without hope in our city and too many have depended upon a government that will never keep up with the need. People like Greg and others think it's time we fight the curse of poverty like we fight any other public health problem—by initiating a multi pronged effort—in this case to help families find financial success.
A family with a foundation of financial success has options that others do not have. Every study shows that, overall, children in a financially stable home are healthier, are more attentive in school and achieve better results. The adults in these homes live longer and have more productive and more contented lives. Together, let us aim our efforts at that—not more hate-filled lives—but contented, more productive lives for everyone.
We're working every day on just that,
Jim
Our Jobs Website for Reentrants: SecondChanceIndy.com
Our Job Preparation Course: Jobs for Life, Uplifting Humanity Through the Dignity of Work
