When America's Children and Youth Win, We Win
December 2022
John,
As 2022 comes to an end, we would like to extend our deepest gratitude
for your continued support, which has helped us claim this year as a
victory for children and youth across the U.S. Your contribution
allows us to continue building a nation where marginalized children
flourish, leaders prioritize their well-being, and communities wield
the power to ensure they thrive. Below are just some of this
year's highlights, milestones, and wins for children and young
people.
Your impact in action
CDF Freedom Schools® Adapt and Overcome
During the pandemic, we continued to engage children and youth across
the country in new and innovative ways. We built outdoor gardening and
learning spaces to allow children to thrive in fresh learning
environments. Scholars in both the summer school program and
after-school program could also engage in activities virtually via the
CDF Freedom ® Schools at Home project and CDF Freedom Schools
® on 10.
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We are proud to say that the CDF Freedom Schools® program is
growing! This year over 10,000 scholars were served, (over 3,000 more
than the previous year) with a projected 16,000 scholars in 2023.
To learn more about how to sponsor a CDF Freedom Schools® site,
visit the link below.
Learn more
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Defending Trans Children
A Win for Youth, By Youth
CDF-TX has created YOUthTX, a channel for youth to have a say in
policies that affect them. This year, YOUthTX and its network of young
Texas advocates trained students to testify before the State Board of
Education about the need for honest, accurate, and statewide civic
education. If you know a young Texan who wants to join and share their
voice, experiences, and stories, click here!
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Your support makes a difference
Bridge to Benefits Uplifts Minnesota Families
CDF-MN's Bridge to Benefits (B2B) project continues to ensure that all
Minnesota families have easy access to healthcare benefits. Between
the summers of 2021 and 2022, B2B screened 13,256 Minnesota families
and deemed over 50 percent of those families eligible for programs
such as various tax credits, Medical Assistance, Energy Assistance,
and SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). Your continued
support helps to ensure more families have easy, transparent access to
these benefits.
Learn more about CDF Minnesota's B2B here.
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Advocacy for Children Across the Country
Medicaid Covering Doula Caregivers
In May, our CDF-Ohio team was critical in passing a doula bill (HB142)
in the Ohio House. Under this bill, doula caregivers, who provide
guidance and support to mothers during pregnancies, would be covered
under the Medicaid program. This is a huge step in the right direction
for Ohio mothers, caregivers, and children.
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Click here to find out how you can further support the bill that is
now in the Ohio Senate!
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Preparing for the 2022 CDF Freedom Schools®
CDF-SRO: Ensuring Marginalized Communities Thrive
The CDF team in our Southern Regional Office is ensuring that funds
from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) are equitably distributed
amongst low-income communities. Over $3 billion from the ARPA will be
distributed between Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia. CDF-SRO ensures
that marginalized communities in the region know how to access these
funds and distribute them to their families, youth, and
children.
Save the date: 2022 Proctor Institute
CDF-NY: Two Steps Closer to Ending Child Poverty
CDF-New York has had two major victories in the fight against child
poverty in the state. First, CDF-NY was appointed to the New York
State Child Poverty Reduction Act Council, which aims to codify into
law a commitment to cut New York State's child poverty rate in
half within the next decade. Second, in 2022, CDF-NY successfully
advocated for the largest investment ($2 billion) in childcare
subsidies in New York state's history.
To learn more about how CDF-NY is fighting child poverty, visit the
link below.
Learn more
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Build a Legacy of Hope and Resilience
Youth on the Rise
In California, our state office assisted in defunding the school-based
probation budget by over $4 million. This money was reallocated to the
Ready to Rise program, which invests state funds into diversion and
youth development.
Learn more about how CDF-CA keeps America's youth out of the
juvenile justice system.
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Build a Legacy of Hope and Resilience
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Haley Farm Hosts Two Big Events
Over the summer, CDF Haley Farm in Clinton, Tenn., hosted the annual
Samuel DeWitt Proctor Institute where faith leaders and activists came
together to perform the sacred work of pursuing justice for children
and ending child poverty.
Click here to listen to this year's featured speakers.
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In December, the farm hosted and relaunched its historic CDF Black
Student Leadership Network (BSLN). BSLN acts as a pipeline for young
Black college students to engage and become future servant leaders.
The conference was a tremendous success, bringing in over 60 students
from more than 10 colleges and universities together.
To learn more about the revitalization of BSLN, click here.
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Build a Legacy of Hope and Resilience
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Thank you for making a positive impact in 2022! Together, we will
continue to uplift the voices of children and youth in 2023.
With gratitude,
Children's Defense Fund
***
View our Fall 2022 Newsletter here for additional information and
highlights from this year.
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