The National Center on Family Homelessness estimates about 2.5 million children in America experience homelessness over the course of a year. Child homelessness is not just a question of material needs but rather an impediment to development. Professors from Pace and Vanderbilt University, Rafferty and Shinn, have extensively explored the impact that children experiencing homelessness may face:
Hunger and poor nutrition
Health problems
Developmental delays
Psychological problems
Educational underachievement
Withdrawal, aggression
"Regressive" toddler-like behaviors
To combat (and hopefully prevent) some of these long-term issues, drawchange strives to empower children to grow into their potential through art. We seek to improve academic performance and ultimately breaking the cycle of poverty by demonstrating tools to tackle daily stresses and encourage curiosity. Our volunteer staff approach each session with compassion to our children and honor who they will become, unlimited despite their current circumstances.
We welcome everyone to join our #drawchangefamily. What we do would not be possible without the efforts and support of our volunteers and community. To continue our mission we ask that you get involved and be a part of the change by signing up to volunteer today!
References:
Bassuk, E., Beach, C., Berman, F., DeCandia, C. “America’s Youngest Outcasts: A Report
Card on Childhood Homelessness.” The National Center on Family Homelessness (2014): 6.
Rafferty, Y., Shinn,M. 1991. "The Impact of Homelessness on Children." American
Psychologist 46, no. 11 (1991): 1170-1179.
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