Partnership to End Poverty E-Newsletter
Thriving Communities, November 2011
Working to Increase G.E.D. Offerings in the Region
Partnership to End Poverty is helping those in Central Oregon wanting to attain their General Educational Development (GED) Credentials by working with two of our education districts to provide GED test locations. The importance of achieving a high school diploma or GED cannot be overstated. While earning a high school diploma is preferred, statistics abound that show attaining a diploma or GED greatly improves the lifelong income of an individual and sets them on the road of economic self sufficiency.
Poverty Simulation Available for Community
People experiencing poverty face barriers every day that keep them running in circles – sometimes literally. To help understand these barriers, the frustrations and the obstacles, we are offering a Poverty Simulation. This Simulation is an experience (not a game) where people begin to understand what it’s like to live in poverty.
DATA: Poverty Takes No Holiday
Although the poverty situation in Central Oregon looks bleak compared to other parts of the state, - and more so in our rural counties - some data actually showed improvement over last year. Lack of income-producing jobs and access to education remain drivers of the area's continuing high rates of poverty.
Volunteer Tax Preparers Needed
Tax season is right around the corner. We are earnestly recruiting volunteers to help with our free tax services in Bend and Prineville, which brings in more than $550,000 to the economy in federal refunds. You don't need to be a whiz at finance, just have a willingness to help your neighbors. Contact Sarah Holtzclaw for more information. 541-504-1389
New Poverty Measure Introduced as a Comparison
On November 7, the U.S. Census released an alternative measure of poverty in the United States, called the Supplemental Poverty Measure. The supplemental measure recognizes the deficiencies of the existing measure, but also raises several important issues.
