Low Income Chicago Children Facing Barriers to Pre-School

Written by By La Risa Lynch, Special from the Chicago Crusader | 12 June 2009

CHICAGO (NNPA) - Three years after former Gov. Rod Blagojevich launched a bold initiative to provide universal pre-school for all 3-and 4-year-olds, a new report shows that children in low-to-moderate income communities are still falling through the cracks. In 2006, Blagojevich created the Preschool for All program that aimed to expand the number of pre-school slots, especially for economically disadvantage toddlers. But a report, called “Why isn’t Johnny in preschool” found that between 40 to 64 percent of preschool-aged children were not enrolled in any structured preschool or Head Start programs.

To the Rescue: National Urban League Bringing Empowerment Fair to Dallas

Written by By Gordon Jackson | 05 June 2009

DALLAS (NNPA) - They don’t pretend to be superheroes. Yet the National Urban League, in conjunction with the Urban League of Greater Dallas and North Central Texas, are determined to come to the rescue for possibly thousands of North Texas residents that have been disproportionately slammed to the ground from the evils of the nation’s economic crisis and severe recession. The Urban League’s super weapon is The Economic Empowerment and Restore Our Homes “Rescue Fair”. It is set for this Saturday June 13, at the Dallas Convention Center, with hopes of helping put a dent into the high rate of unemployment, home foreclosures and health disparities effecting North Texas’ urban communities.

Parental Separation Anxiety: Tips on How to Cope with Sending a Child Off to College

Written by Organization's Staff | 29 May 2009

While some fathers and mothers fear the experience of sending their child off to college will be a traumatic one, it doesn’t have to be, said Mark Thompson, director of Colgate University’s Counseling & Psychological Services and father of a current college student. “There are definitely healthy ways for today’s involved parents to stay connected with their sons and daughters, and maintain their distance — and sanity — at the same time,” he said.

Study to Examine What Makes Kids Thrive Or Struggle

Written by Dalhousie University | 29 May 2009

“What we want to understand is what makes the difference in kids’ lives,” says Michael Ungar, the Dalhousie professor who leads an international team of resilience researchers. “How do we get them the right services so it’s going to make a difference?” Labels were starting to be affixed to 14-year-old Jesse; the Grade 8 student known to play with a switchblade was known as “dangerous” by younger kids in his neighborhood, and as “disruptive” by his teachers, when he made it to school at all.