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HOW YOU CAN HELP CHILDREN IN POVERTY
When living in a world where many are stuck in the vicious cycle of poverty, a lot of us have the desire to reach out and give a helping hand. Some ways people help could be through donating to kids in third world countries, raising money for places far away that have less than us, and many other ways. While these options are incredible, many of us fail to remember that there are people who need help in our very own community. Grounds of GRACE (GOG) offers ways to help break the poverty cycle here in the Jacksonville area. GOG offers the troubled youth of Jacksonville their first jobs making and selling coffee around town, and a way to take their first steps of employment. Here are some facts about child poverty and ways you help your community through Grounds of GRACE.
1. Children are the most affected by the cycle of poverty.
Children are the most affected by poverty because they depend on their guardians and therefore can’t pull themselves out of poverty because of their young age and lack of resources. Many kids are facing this issue in our backyard, just 30 minutes away. The 32209 zip code is the most impoverished area in Jacksonville. According to Welfareinfo.org, 21.5% of ages 12-17 in the Jacksonville population are living in poverty. Grounds of GRACE provides opportunities to young adults from this area, helping them advance in life with more career opportunities, allowing them to break the poverty cycle.
2. There is less opportunity in low-income areas.
Children from low-income families find it hard to find jobs or get on the right career path because they have fewer opportunities. This obstacle makes it hard for kids to see their true potential and find the motivation to pursue their goals. Students who don’t know anyone in their family, school, or community who has gone to college may never think that that path is possible for them. If they want to pursue a course like that, it may be hard to find the support they need. Grounds of GRACE offers unique job opportunities to students in the 32209 zip code to take their first steps of employment through the coffee industry. It is crucial for youth to see a way out of poverty, and once a troubled child has the chance to work, they are one step closer to achieving their goals and are provided with more support for their future. GOG allows students to support their families, learn how to handle money, and connect with the local community.
3. Giving back to your community will enrich your life.
Spending time giving back to your community will enrich your life in more ways than one. Once you start giving back, it will broaden your perception of the world and the way you perceive your community. Many Jacksonville locals are unaware of the struggles and dangers low-income families face, not even 30 minutes away from them. Spending time with these families/children will educate you and make us one step closer to helping troubled youth break the poverty cycle. Giving connects us to others, creating stronger communities and helping to build a happier society for everyone. Giving back is not all about money; it is also about giving our time, ideas and energy.
Want to get involved with Grounds of GRACE?
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Follow the bus and find out more information on Grounds of GRACE’s website and Instagram (@groundsofgracejax). By purchasing coffee from the bus, attendees are helping empower troubled young adults to take their first steps in employment.