NECSS hosted a summit on the Suburbanization of Poverty on Friday, November 9th at Harper College. The theme of the summit was “Better Together” to reflect attendance by teachers, counselors and administrators from Districts 211, 214, 220, and Harper College as well as local business and non-profit organization leaders. United Palatine Coalition and United Way Metro Chicago were our partners in this endeavor. Read More
This event falls in line with the region’s equity objectives. The event was featured in the Daily Herald: Read More. The day began with Elizabeth Kneebone painting a national picture of suburban poverty based upon research found in her book: Confronting Suburban Poverty. Kneebone is Senior Non-Resident Fellow with the Brookings Institution’s Metropolitan Policy Program and Research Director for the Terner Center for Housing Innovation with the University of California Berkeley. Colleagues from local non-profit organizations provided local context on available resources along with members of the community from low-income backgrounds. Attendees also received a resource guide. In the afternoon, participants engaged in a poverty simulation whereby they experienced a month in the life of a family in poverty. Responses were highly favorable with 100% agreement that attendees felt better equipped to serve student in poverty after attendees. Sample responses included:
“This was such a wonderful opportunity; thank you for offering resources and firsthand stories to exemplify the types of impacts our community partners are making in the lives of students and families.”
“This morning was beneficial in that it provided information showing the needs in our community and then detailing some efforts that are already underway to improve living conditions for members of our community in need.”
“I will share this info among elected officials, candidates, and campaigners.”
“Well designed and great resources.”
“This was fabulous!”
“The real voices heard this morning plus the simulation made the day.”
