Teen Poverty in Athens

Poverty, a widespread issue across America, and a plight for all places, is present here in Athens, Georgia.

13.4% of all families in Athens live below the poverty level, according to the 2006-2008 American Community Survey by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Poverty is easily looked at as just a number. We wonder who the ‘families’ are, but most of us go about our business. And in most cases, those on the other end of the spectrum do not even think about those in need.

“We often forget that Athens, home of UGA and famous musicians, faces a huge gap between those who are financially stable and those who are not,” said David Ragsdale, a teacher at Clarke Central High School.

And inside each of those families in most cases, is a teenager trying to get through the Clarke County School System as best they can.

But don’t pity them immediately. Who’s to say that they are different than any other teen in Athens? Besides their economic status, what makes them different?

“They are no different than you and I,” said Robin Weinrich, Work-Based Learning Coordinator for Clarke County. “All families and teens struggle with themes common across all age groups no matter the economic status.”

The opinion that students are not statistics seems to be spread over the Athens-Clarke County School System.

“Ultimately, kids from across the economic spectrum want to do well in school and want to be considered as individuals and not statistics,” said Ragsdale. “Sensitivity to this condition, not pity or condescension, is critical in helping our students find the means to battle poverty.”

With the restrictions of poverty along with the idea that “kids are kids” in mind, there are many programs delivered through the Clarke County School System that work toward meeting the needs of teens at risk.

Each program is designed to foster parent and student engagement no matter the economic status, however, teens at risk can benefit.

Some programs include: the AT&T Graduation project, Pathways to Success afterschool programs, Family engagement services and programs, Ombudsman Educational Services, tutoring programs, translation services, Early Head Start and Head Start programs, Literacy programs, Early Reading First program, and mentoring.

There are also organizations and programs outside the Clarke County School System designed to help families in need in Athens.

The Food Bank of Northeast Georgia provides a “Food 2 Kids” program for several counties across Northeast Georgia, including Clarke County.

“The Food 2 Kids program is committed to eliminating child hunger in America. We provide children identified as being chronically hungry with nutritious, easy-to-prepare meals during times outside school, such as summer holidays and weekends,” according to Tanya Pass, the Athens Food 2 Kids program coordinator.

The program provides child-friendly foods that do not require an oven, such as: ravioli, cereal, juice, milk, chicken noodle soup, peanut butter, bread, and fresh produce.

One Athens, also called Partners for a Prosperous Athens, is a group with a community initiative created to eliminate persistent poverty by creating jobs and building community.

Although each of these programs exist, poverty is still not eliminated. It will not be just one program or a few caring people that will defeat the problem.

“I don’t have the answers, but instead of getting bogged down by the big scale of the problem, if we each contribute in ways we are able in our own circles—we will make changes that affect lives,” said Weinrich.