Entries by Savannah Aleckson

The Surprising Truth About Incarceration and Employment

In the year following their release, only 55% of former prisoners have any wages, with the median worker earning a mere $5,900. An in-depth analysis by the Brookings Institution reveals a surprising truth: many of these problems finding and maintaining decent employment are worse in the years before they go to prison than after.

Relationships and Science: A Winning Combination for an Oregon Nonprofit

The data speaks for itself: a mere 2% of adults who work full-time live in poverty. Additionally, working adults are happier and healthier than their non-working counterparts. Klamath Works, in Klamath Falls, Oregon, has taken to heart the value of work—and discovered a little-known scientific tool for getting clients into jobs that work for them.

Fuller Center for Housing: 5 Tips to Transition from Paternalism to Partnership

For Royce Nelson, Executive Director of the Fuller Center for Housing chapter located in Joplin, MO, material assistance is less about provision and more about partnership. That perspective has shaped the way Fuller Center for Housing approaches charity, inspiring meaningful exchange and quality relationships—in their view, treating their clientele as collaborators rather than charity cases is key to sustainable, development-oriented solutions for those in poverty.

Reveal Compassion With the Invisible Neighbors Study

Invisible Neighbors is a faith-based study perfect for those looking to expand their knowledge and gain practical insight on how best to care for the poor. Written by John Ashmen, a long-time veteran in service to the poor and president of Citygate Network, this expertly written study convicts and equips its participants to reach out to their neighbors in need.

Subsidizing Isolation: Unintended Consequences of the FCC’s ‘Lifeline’ Program

Volunteering provides ample opportunities to meaningfully connect with people, a truth I was reminded of while serving with Watered Gardens’ overnight shelter as I listened to a man share about his romantic relationship. Though he confidently shared about the relationship’s quality, I noticed some red flags, so I attempted “truth in love” — I asked him how he knew their relationship was as healthy as he said. Immediately, his eyes glazed over and, wordlessly, he pulled his phone out of his pocket and began scrolling absentmindedly.