Why it Matters:
Research and community input consistently point to similar strategies for family stability and mobility from poverty: coordinated holistic programs and policies that help meet children and caregivers’ goals simultaneously. For example, high quality education and housing partnered with public policies that support benefits and thoughtful data use and tracking.
Currently, 10.7% (3,216) of Dane County children under the age of five are experiencing poverty – however, 29.9% of Black children and 28.5% of Hispanic/Latino children are experiencing poverty (2016-2020 U.S. Census 5-year estimates).
Here’s how we invested in 2Gen in 2021:
- Investment: $1,659,434
- Agenda for Change Programs: 17
- Community Solutions Team Volunteers: 12
- Program Participants: 715
The impact on local families participating in 2Gen programming in 2021:
In 2021, we are investing $1,659,434 in 17 programs at 11 nonprofit partners.
families received holistic, family-centered wraparound services from multiple agencies.
maintained housing
(161 families).
of children achieved developmental milestones
(138 children aged 0-5).
Deeper Dive: What is 2Gen?
In 2019, we launched this new area of investment in order to focus specifically on how the well-being of adults we serve directly impacts the well-being of their children, and vice versa. Through this multigenerational lens, we work with our nonprofit partners to identify the historical and structural barriers that undermine a family’s overall well-being. Because we know that while adults and children have different needs, they’re interdependent.
For example, if parents know that their child is in a safe, high-quality learning environment, they can focus their energy on obtaining jobs that pay a family-sustaining wage, rather than worrying about care for their child.
When we focus on ways to coordinate our efforts across our Agenda for Change pillars we’re more likely to help multigenerational families find the balance they need to thrive in our community.
Strategies:
Strengthen family outcomes through 2Gen collaborative programs that improve family well-being through the areas of income, education and health.
Cultivate and strengthen partners within 2Gen collaborations to provide more comprehensive services for families and support quality improvement of programs.
RISE Wisconsin
RISE Wisconsin provides care coordination, home visiting and therapeutic support to children and families to help them achieve success at home and in the community. Their ParentChild+ Program is an early literacy home visiting program that helps parents and caregivers prepare their children for 4K. This year, RISE helped Tasha, a single mother of two, by providing her children with educational resources and teaching her how to take an active role in their early education. Now, Tasha feels much better prepared to be the best parent she can be! And her kids are better set up for long-term educational success.
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Want to help us build multigenerational family well-being?
For more information, please contact impact@uwdc.org
