If you've never experienced real poverty, you may not realize the depths of the pain involved. We're not just talking about minor inconveniences or embarrassment. We're talking about long-lasting damage that can limit a child's ability to learn, grow and develop into adulthood. The local numbers are dramatic: One in four Calhoun County children live in poverty, according to the U.S. Census Bureau 2010 report. Almost 26% of children in our area don't get enough to eat or face chronic food insecurity, according to Feeding America's 2011 report. Many lack warm clothes, safe shoes, proper bedding and winter coats. Last year alone, Charitable Union served 4,998 unique children, from infants to teens. We provide the clothing, baby care items, bedding and other essentials they need to live in basic dignity.

Being poor for even a short time can have lasting health implications for children, according to a 2010 national study organized by the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Researchers gathered data in four critical areas:

► Health
► Food security
► Housing stability
► Maltreatment (e.g., abuse or neglect).

In each one of these four areas, poverty made a direct negative impact on the well-being of the children studied. For example, unsafe living conditions, homelessness and frequent moves put children more at risk to suffer from a number of health issues including hypertension, heart disease, depression or anxiety, asthma, developmental delays and behavioral problems. Poverty is also associated with increases in child abuse, child endangerment and domestic violence.

Working together across organizational boundaries is critical in our work. Throughout the year, we get phone calls from local teachers, pastors and social service agencies who identify a child in serious need. Our staff responds quickly to get those children properly clothed for school and the weather outside. Benefits include:

► A healthy, safe start for infants with help from our baby supplies, baby clothes and bedding

► Better performance in school because they are dressed to learn (e.g., clean underwear and socks from Charitable Union)

► Avoiding the shame and mental anguish that comes with old, ripped or inappropriate clothing

► Staying warm and dry in the colder months with help from our winter coats and hats from Charitable Union

Your gifts of money, time and gently used or new clothing make a direct impact on local children's lives. To find out how you can support our work, please click here now. To learn how you can volunteer your time at Charitable Union, please click here now.

Poverty Hurts: Many Local Seniors Are Living in Debt and Despair

In America today, millions of seniors live in extreme poverty or are just barely getting by on meager fixed incomes, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. It's a huge problem made even worse by the current economic downturn. Last year alone, Charitable Union served hundreds of local seniors with clothing, essential household items and emergency referrals. Retirement isn't supposed to be about debt, but that's the reality for many seniors today. Despite a lifetime of

working about 56% of American retirees still have significant outstanding debts, according to a national study by CESI Debt solutions.

Daily living is also a challenge for many, especially with the added burden of monthly debt payments. According to a University of Michigan study, Americans 55+ now accounted for 20% of all bankruptcies in 2010, up from 125 in 2001. In fact, the number of bankruptcies for seniors ages 65-74 skyrocketed 178% during the same period.

Charitable Union doesn't just offer seniors clothing and household items. We also work closely with more than 20 other local agencies and non-profit organizations to connect seniors with the essential services and supplies they need. (See list) This type of coordinated care is one reason why so many seniors come to us for help.

Out of Poverty: Helping Adults Break the Cycle of Dependency

Charitable Union believes that that the best kind of help leads to independence. We have many true stories of clients who made the journey out of poverty to a new life. For example, one of our clients was actually living under a bridge when he first came to Charitable Union. With coordinated help from local non-profits, and a new sense of possibility, he turned his life around. Today, he's a responsible husband, father, homeowner and respected civic leader. (Read more). Sometimes the help needed is simple and straightforward: A nursing uniform for a new career. Steel-toed shoes for a new job opportunity. A suit coat for a job interview. Warm clothing for the kids so

a parent can afford to buy books at the local community college. Dishes and cookware after an apartment fire. Whatever the situation, chances are that Charitable Union can help.

In other cases, the journey out of poverty is more complicated. Many young parents need "wrap around" services, in other words an integrated set of services, counseling and educational programs. This may include a social worker visit to the home or a first trip to a community health clinic. It may mean taking a money management class or even learning how to read. When young parents are better prepared for life, their children benefit in dozens of ways.

Charitable Union maintains close contacts with many local non-profits and government programs. Our staff often helps parents and other caregivers take advantage of the many services available so they can start their own journey to independence.

Here are some real quotes from real clients of Charitable Union:

“When both my husband and I were unemployed at the same time, my friend told me about Charitable Union. I was able to keep my son in decent clothes. When my husband got his new job at the factory he came to Charitable Union to get steel toed boots. Thank God we both have jobs now but I will always be thankful for Charitable Union being there for me during such a low time in our lives.”

– Married Couple with Child

“Without Charitable Union my kids would not have clothes for school. It means a lot to me that my kids feel good about themselves when they go to school and Charitable Union has done that.”

– Unemployed Single Father

“I work full time but sometimes my paychecks don’t stretch as far as they need to. I’am glad Charitable Union is available when I need it. I don’t blow my money, but sometimes I have to choose: food, gas, clothes. Charitable Union helps me get through.”

– Single Mother with 2 Kids

To learn more about how you can get involved at Charitable Union, we invite you to stop by our building at 85 Calhoun St. in the heart of Battle Creek. (Map) Or call (269) 964-7234 for personal assistance. Welcome!