Page 29 - Poverty Issues News Today

A coalition of Nevada groups is behind a statewide effort to make Nevada an Employment First state. That would align the state with a U.S. Labor Department goal of meaningful employment, fair wages and career advancements for people with disabilities. ...

As the opioid crisis continues, more New Hampshire grandparents are seeking financial help to raise their grandchildren. Already struggling with the emotional loss of their own child to an overdose, grandparents are often taking in multiple grandchildren, who struggle with physical and mental health challenges of their own. Denyse Richter, founder and executive director of Step Up Parents, a group helping caregivers cover immediate financial needs, said grandparents are helping both their fami...

Many parents complete their families through adoption, and November has been the month to encourage awareness, recognize those still waiting to be adopted and celebrate those who have grown through the process. About 20 families finalized their adoptions at St. Louis County Family Court this year in Missouri, while more than 75,000 in 400 communities did so nationally. ...

As college costs continue to skyrocket, many students find themselves unable to afford tuition. In response, some schools are taking proactive measures, including eliminating tuition in certain cases. Spring Hill College in Mobile is offering tuition-free graduate degrees to all incoming freshmen. ...

A new study found Texas is home to half of the U.S. colleges located in communities deemed affordable for students. The personal finance company WalletHub ranked Edinburg, home to the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, as the most wallet-friendly college town. ...

Historical and predominantly Black community colleges often get overlooked when it comes to funding for higher education but leaders across the country are seeking ways to ensure adequate support for the institutions. Complete College America and Lumina Foundation organized a webinar to discuss the needs of these colleges and their crucial role in promoting equal opportunities for Black students. Chandra Scott, executive director of the group Alabama Possible, was a part of the discussion and ...

Winter is coming, and the annual statewide campaign to inform Massachusetts residents about available heating assistance is underway. Advocates for the program said the eligibility requirements are broad to ensure no family has to make the decision between keeping their house warm or covering other basic needs. Jeanne Costa, a resident of New Bedford, said heating assistance allowed her elderly mother to remain in her home as she aged. ...

The state of Montana has allocated nearly $1 million to help settle domestic cases before they ever get to court. The Montana Family Transition Project is for couples who are separating and have children. The program offers mediation, a formula for calculating child support, and legal advice for parents who need a parenting plan as part of their family law case. ...

Legislation introduced in Massachusetts aims to reduce the racial wealth gap by creating a statewide "Baby Bonds" program. It is a publicly-funded, pooled trust fund for newborn children in low-income households without inherited wealth or opportunities to build it. Deb Goldberg, state treasurer, said the child can access the funds once they turn 18 to help them go to college, start a business or even buy a home. ...

Alabama Possible is working to make higher education more accessible for students in the state. Through its annual campaign, "Alabama Goes to College," the group is raising awareness about available resources to help finance college education. Executive Director Chandra Scott said in an effort to remove financial barriers, the group is also promoting Alabama College Application Week. ...