Interesting fact from Wikipedia: “The poverty line is set at approximately three times the annual cost of a nutritionally adequate diet. It varies according to family size and is updated yearly to reflect changes in the consumer price index." The poverty line is currently set at $9,800 for an individual, or $20,000 for a family of four. According to the 2000 U.S. Census, about 21,000 people in Dutchess County are below the poverty line. That’s 26 people per square mile. That’s a lot...which is why the Lunch Box at Dutchess Outreach is so important. The Lunch Box serves 300 hot heals a day. For 200 of their clients, it is the only meal of the day.
Deplorable fact from the American Institute on Domestic Violence: “Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women. 5.3 million women are abused each year. 1,232 women are killed each year by an intimate partner." Grace Smith House, now in its 25th year of serving women and children who are victims of domestic violence, shelters 135 women and 175 children each year.
Interesting article from the Washington Post, “Study Paints Bleak Picture of Immigrant Health Care":
“Regardless of age, legal status or insurance coverage, immigrants, on average, receive about half the health care services provided to native-born Americans, according to findings released yesterday [July 25, 2005] that immediately fueled the debate over tightening immigration policies....The gap was especially pronounced among immigrant children, who received one-quarter of the care given to U.S.-born youngsters."
Hudson River Community Health provides comprehensive primary, preventive, and behavioral health care for immigrants and other low-income people in the Hudson Valley without regard to insurance status or ability to pay.
These and the other 11 organizations and agencies supported by Vassar’s Community Works Campaign need our help to keep doing the work they do to help less fortunate members of our community, to keep the arts alive and thriving in Dutchess County, and to protect our environment. Your contribution is tax deductible, and 100% goes directly to the supported organizations.
To make your contribution to Community Works, visit communityworks.vassar.edu.