As a board member of Community Action Inc. of Rock and Walworth counties,
I take pride in the programs we run that are aimed at creating pathways out of
poverty. Whether it’s transitional housing, job training or other programs, the
staff works to illuminate options for individuals in need.
With beautiful resorts, vibrant communities, diverse businesses,
dairy and crop farms in Walworth County, as well as a state university and a
technical college, many would view the area as a snapshot of middle class
Americana. Rock County also enjoys diverse employers, ample farming operations
and higher education opportunities with Beloit and Blackhawk technical colleges.
Both counties have arts communities, family businesses, medium
and large employers, and quality public and private schools. Recreational opportunities
abound. The lake communities in Walworth County and the Rock River bring
tourists and visitors who infuse millions of dollars into local economies.
By comparison, our residents have lower than average incomes and
more poverty than the typical Wisconsin county. Food pantries are active and
social services administered by the counties are busier than most would agree
they should be. We live in a
place with more people in poverty than most of us likely realize. That truth
was underscored for me personally during a recent experience. The church my
family attends holds an annual gingerbread house event where families enjoy
dinner and build a gingerbread house with supplies provided by the church.
While sitting in an early December Sunday service and hearing
the pastor promote the event, it occurred to me that Twin Oaks Homeless
Shelter, a Community Action facility on the Rock and Walworth county line,
would likely have some families with young children.
The
evening of gingerbread-house building, I signed out a church van to pick up
three families from the shelter to attend the event. The van was filled with excited
chatter from the kids about where we were going and what it would be like. Less
than a mile from the shelter, one of the youngest children repeatedly said what
a “great” car this was and what a “nice” car this was. Keep in mind; we’re talking
about a plain white church van with vinyl bench seats. Then, the child said,
‘Mom, can we live in this car?’ While everyone continued their conversations
anticipating the evening’s activities, the voice of that young child,
plaintively asking if she and her family could live in the van, were the most
shattering words I’ve ever heard.
Where we live is among many who we probably think are mostly
like us, and, some who are more fortunate, and some who are less fortunate.
What we may not know, is where or how they live and what can make a difference
in their lives, especially those experiencing extremely difficult times. A
young child’s plea to “live” in the “nice car” is unforgettable. Where we live,
how we live, and how we see and help those around us is what can matter more
than I ever realized before this experience.
