Who We Serve
Like other communities in Maryland, families in Washington County are experiencing an increased cost of living and growing economic disparities. As a result, families are forced to make tough decisions when it comes to paying for expenses such as rent, utilities, and medical bills, or new clothes, school supplies, or hygiene products for their kids. Children in our community often need access to proper clothing, personal hygiene products, and essential school supplies. These limitations affect their physical well-being, self-esteem, and capacity for educational success. Without the appropriate clothing and supplies needed for school, many poverty-level children face embarrassment in attending school, which has long-lasting impacts. In lacking these basic needs, children develop low self-esteem and anxiety, are prone to illnesses due to lack of hygiene products, and are more likely to be bullied, develop behavioral problems, miss school, and drop out.
These fundamental needs, which are sometimes disregarded, have a significant influence on a child’s educational path. Children In Need gives students the confidence to feel good about themselves by providing new or gently-used clothing and basic hygiene supplies. This lowers the likelihood of bullying and social stigma. Higher self-esteem fosters improved concentration, regular attendance, and increased engagement in class. School is made more hospitable and engaging thanks to Children In Need’s programs, which benefits students’ academic success.
Children In Need expanded its Client Services program in order to make a targeted effort to support families who are Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, and Employed (ALICE). Essentially, while Children In Need historically served families who lived at or below the federally recognized poverty level, there were families who were struggling to make ends meet and did not qualify for social support as they were in higher economic brackets. Washington County’s ALICE households are growing at an alarming rate and preventative support measures needed to be taken to alleviate the economic burden these families were experiencing. As such, the Client Services program was expanded to provide services to any child living in Washington County who is economically disadvantaged and cannot afford essential items – regardless of income brackets.
As it stands, 95% of our clients are living at the poverty level and 5% of our clients are living at the ALICE Household Level. Children in ALICE households who were not able to access essential items previously can now do so.
