On Thursday, United Way released a report that I authored called Overcoming the Odds which focuses on the issue of Child and Youth Poverty in Windsor-Essex County and the barrier that prevent these young people reaching their potential. I was on CBC News Windsor (at 13 minute mark)  as well as the CBC Afternoon Drive radio program (audio not available at this time) speaking about the report and United Way’s Work on this issue.

Overcoming the Odds

Report in a summary:

• 1 in 4 Youth in Windsor-Essex are living in poverty
• At least 8000 Children and Youth used a Food Bank in 2014-15
• At least 140, 15-18 year old were homeless in Windsor-Essex County between Jan 2014-June 2015.
• 75% of all mental illness emerges in childhood and adolescence
• Windsor-Essex has higher rates of High School Diplomas being the highest level of educational attainment than Provincial average.
• Education is the clearest pathway out of poverty. A high school graduate earns on average a median wage of $11,000 per year less than someone who earned an apprenticeship or skilled trade; $17,000 per year less than someone who earned a general bachelor of arts degree.