Child Health Care

Years ago a friend of mine lived next to a neighbor with a fierce dog that was ready to bite every living thing that passed by his house. One day that dog got free, came into my friend’s yard and attacked his dog. In anger, my friend decided to kill that fierce dog. He got his gun from a locked safe, retrieved his bullets from separate storage, and started toward the door. He had time to reconsider and returned the read more…

Around 1.4 million U.S. students between the ages of 6-18 are homeless, and every year approximately 1 million babies, toddlers and preschoolers also experience homelessness. The definition of homelessness is divided into those who are sheltered and those who are not. Thankfully, the majority of children are in sheltered situations. The extent of homelessness nationally and in each state is described here. Homelessness is a public health crisis and there is a significant negative impact of homelessness on children’s mental read more…

Supporters of Promise the Children would like to think that our country values all families and children, no matter what country they call home. During the holiday season, an image that is often in our minds is that of the birth of Jesus. It is during this time of year that The Three Kings are said to have followed the star of Bethlehem to visit The Holy Family. Perhaps the Magi came from nearby areas now known as Iraq, Iran read more…

Download Brochure Our Purpose The purpose of Promise the Children is to help our volunteers advocate for and with young people. We give special priority to initiatives that promote the wellbeing of low-income children and youth. Our Work Promise the Children’s main activities include: Researching policy issues and educating our members about legislative campaigns.  Communicating with legislators through visits, phone calls, letters, emails and petitions from our volunteer advocates. Leading workshops, discussions and trainings at community centers and churches.  Building read more…

Christmas is supposed to be about the beautiful birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem that inspires us to be generous, loving and forgiving. Jesus was born a refugee whose parents fled from Nazareth because the Roman King Herod threatened to kill all male newborns in the city. In an attempt to keep their family safe from harm, Joseph, Mary and Jesus fled to Bethlehem where they found refuge. Fortunately their family didn’t suffer the separation and detentions that are plaguing read more…

We need more support for those who speak out about rape and assault, and we must believe in what the victims tell us. Regardless of their gender, income, background or anything else, we must demand that investigations take place and we must punish those who engage in this behavior. The Catholic Church is a good example of a group that is beginning to take responsibility for the rape and assault of our children. Finally this criminal behavior is being made read more…

With summer just around the corner, many children happily anticipate the end of the school year. However, the end of the school year can cause serious problems for lower income children. Schools often provide free or reduced cost breakfast and lunch to children in need. Without schools providing essential meals, children are at risk of going hungry. Despite the three-month break from school, children can still receive meals through programs hosted by organizations and local outreach programs. The YMCA has read more…

On a day to day basis, the trauma of parental separation with and without additional adversity, takes many forms.  In the urban elementary school in which I work, it is the kindergarten boy who becomes unable to physically manage his body when his teacher mentions that the class will be making Mother’s Day cards. When the rest of his classmates begin to work on their cards, this boy throws himself on the rug and begins to roll around and growl. His read more…

The gap between minimum wages and the cost of living is covered by government subsidies. These subsidies include food stamps, school meals, housing vouchers, Medicaid, the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and more. Without these subsidies, our laborers and their children would face starvation, homelessness and poor health—and many children could experience abuse and neglect in unlicensed childcare settings while their parents are working. Minimum wages are paid to unskilled and some skilled laborers. Many states use the federal minimum read more…

“I am 17 years of age now and I am a victim of having my home ripped apart due to deportation. My father was taken from my home 11 years ago in front of my face. It’s really something you just don’t get over it. I’m still hurt as if it just happened 2 seconds ago” says one of our citizen children. When citizen children’s parent(s) are detained or deported, they lose the love and guidance of a parent who read more…