Poverty

Understanding Persistent Poverty

Understanding poverty and the issues surrounding it is the first step to battling this problem. In the Southwest Extension District, 39 of 41 counties are considered "persistently poor." The Southwest District Persistent Poverty Task Force began by learning about on the demographics of the state and area, the definition of poverty and the factors contributing to persistent poverty. The Poverty Task Force has been successful in securing funding for Poverty Mini Grants, and a total of more than $65,000 has been disseminated to the local counties in the district over the past two years. Much of this money supported 4-H camp scholarships, summer 4-H classes and other educational programs for youth. The Task Force secured a $9,000 grant and developed a district-wide plan for staff development. More than 130 district employees gathered for the Southwest District Poverty Awareness Conference for a day of learning and brainstorming on the issue of poverty. (2008)

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