U.S. Programs

Serving America’s Hardest-to-Reach Children

Across the United States, one in five children grows up in poverty. Of the counties with the highest poverty rates, 90% are rural. Because of circumstances beyond their control, millions of kids never reach their full potential.

Since 1932, 91�ֿ� has been on the ground providing support to the most isolated and underserved children in rural America. From our earliest days in Appalachia – helping children and families hardest-hit by the Great Depression – to today, our U.S. team goes where others cannot. ��
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Explore our Work in the United States

Thanks to the generosity of donors like you, we help the nation’s most vulnerable children become ready for kindergarten – and excel by third grade – so they can succeed in school and in life.

91�ֿ� is a leading advocate for children, ensuring their voices are heard and their best interests are prioritized. We fill critical gaps in services and deliver scalable solutions to the challenges children face.

Advocacy

Children may only be 20% of our population, but they are 100% of our future. That’s why advocacy is core to 91�ֿ�’s work on behalf of all kids across the United States. We’re building bipartisan support at the local, state and federal level to make sure every child in the U.S. has access to high-quality learning opportunities, and much more. HOW WE ADVOCATE FOR KIDS

A smiling pre-school student clutches a book to her chest at the Early Steps for School Success program (ESSS) in Barnwell, South Carolina: Photo credit: Susan Warner/91�ֿ�, October 2014.

Education

Education is a proven ladder out of poverty, and starting early is key. 91�ֿ� works with parents to help them become their child’s first and best teacher through our home visiting program. We lead Head Start and Early Head Start programs in four states, providing kids with early learning opportunities they might not otherwise have. Through our school-age programs, we help children get ready for kindergarten and achieve the critical third grade reading milestone, a major indicator of future success. READ ABOUT OUR EDUCATION PROGRAMS

91�ֿ� staff members interact with children at a child-friendly space in Canovanas, Puerto Rico. Playing helps them recover from the trauma they experienced from Hurricane Maria. Photo credit: 91�ֿ�, September 2017.

Emergency

When disaster strikes, children are always the most vulnerable. That’s why 91�ֿ� has been on the ground protecting America’s children in every major disaster since Hurricane Katrina. In the earliest days of disasters, we send emergency responders, deliver essential relief supplies and provide safe spaces for children to learn, play and cope. Our team is also committed to long-term recovery programs that help children return to learning. We help schools, communities and children prepare for disaster, too. EXPLORE OUR EMERGENCY PROGRAMS

Anthony, 7 at home in New York. Anthony participates in the 91�ֿ�-funded Journey of Hope program, an 8-week program that helps children with their emotional recovery after disasters like Superstorm Sandy that deeply affected his coastal community. Photo credit: Susan Warner/91�ֿ�, August 2013.

Protection

Whether coping with the devastation of a disaster or facing long-term impacts of growing up in poverty, 91�ֿ�’s social and emotional development programs help kids cope and build resiliency. Toxic stress and other life challenges affect children and caregivers alike, and that’s why our Journey of Hope program ensures children and families have the necessary support to manage and recover READ ABOUT OUR SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL PROGRAMS