October 17th is International Day for the Eradication of Poverty!
Poverty is constructed from a variety of factors, not all solely “economical.” There are many ways that governmental and societal systems contribute to poverty; the UN outlines six specific ones: dangerous work conditions, unsafe housing, lack of nutritious food, unequal access to justice, lack of political power, and limited access to health care.
Because of these many contributors to poverty, it can seem overwhelming to tackle it as a global issue. Alvis contributes to lessening poverty in Ohio, but we specifically do this for our clients and the families of clients that we serve. Poverty effects so many people, and while Alvis’ services may not be the right ones for some families, other nonprofits, like the Reeb Avenue Center, directly work with disadvantaged people in providing them food, education, job training (which is actually serviced by Alvis!), themed courses, recreational activities and an overall end goal of allowing residents of Columbus’ South Side to live self-sufficiently, while also recognizing the power of coming together as a community.
This day connects to Alvis, as we are a nonprofit committed to both bettering our communities, and turning lives around. Our client populations involve individuals with justice system involvement, significant barriers to employment, developmental disabilities, and integrated behavioral healthcare needs. We also serve families, especially children, impacted by their loved ones’ justice involvement, developmental disability and/or behavioral healthcare needs.
It is important to note that these above mentioned populations are at an increased disadvantage if they of a lower income status. Housing, nutritious food, and health care cost money, and when people do not have access to basic resources, they will be more likely to have untreated medical conditions, or they may resort to means that classify them as offenders of the justice system, which can lead to a lack of employability. Alvis understands this, as a percentage of our clients come from or have fallen into poverty. Justice system involvement, substance abuse, lack of employability, unaddressed behavioral health concerns, and impoverished families are related, and cyclical. Many Alvis clients, in fact, are involved in more than one of these programs during their time with us. If our clients are able to go through treatment to get the proper healthcare, education, and employability to go back into the community, they can attain the tools needed to escape this cycle of poverty.
By normalizing and supporting reentry organizations like Alvis, communities can help those who are affected by some of the consequences of poverty. Governments can do this, too, by proposing, adopting, and enforcing criminal justice reform legislation, and allowing those in need to find the means necessary to rise above their circumstances and live full lives.
Alvis is a nonprofit human services agency with over 50 years of experience providing highly effective treatment programs in Ohio. Our vision is that communities value a person’s potential more than their past. For more information on how Alvis can help you or to learn more about how you can get involved, contact us here.