We are committed to addressing the interconnected barriers of poverty

There are 37.9 million people living in poverty according to the U.S. Census Bureau, and even if they gain some stability and are no longer considered impoverished there is a slippery slope to maintaining that status. Interconnecting factors play a part in whether they will be able to maintain their hard-earned status out of poverty and fully gain economic independence.

Every day, low wage working families have to make choices that affect their stability and well-being. Do they choose to pay their electricity bill or feed their children? Do they call off from work when they have no babysitter, or do they leave their 9-year-old son at home watching their 3-year-old daughter? 

Low-income students in college experience substantial barriers to achieving their desired degrees. Often, they experience housing instability, and possibly homelessness, while 37 percent experience food insecurity, according to the Hope Center for Colleges, Community, and Justice. These students have to choose between books and supplies for class or food.

The upward battle for those in underserved communities often begins in childhood. Eleven million children live in poverty, amongst whom 1 in 7 are of color. The stifling effects of poverty often have a direct relationship to a child’s life skill preparation, educational opportunities, self-efficacy, and future economic status.

Grand Expectations works to serve individuals and families that find themselves in these dire situations. Our mandate is to help them gain live stability, so that they can have the opportunity to achieve their goals and obtain economic freedom. Our program offers aid when available with rental assistance, daycare, utilities, transportation, food, books, and supplies. Our youth are provided with life enhancing experiences. Our adult members commit to participate in life skills training classes or workshops to enhance and develop self-efficacy within themselves, as they receive support, coaching and mentoring.

Our ultimate goal is for our members to develop the self-efficacy necessary to move forward and upwards, bridging the gap of the opportunity divide and obtaining economic freedom.