MY CINCINNATI ANTI POVERTY PROGRAM

By Steve Pavelish

Start with the children

In my view the best anti poverty is COMMON SENSE. We need to break the cycle of poverty starting NOW and we need to target the very young. The very young must be taught THE IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATION< RESPECT< FAMILY< and THE LOVE OF GOD and COUNTRY. Local churches and business leaders must get more involved in the neighborhoods and supply coaches, mentors, and scout leaders. The neighborhood of Evanston has a very successful outreach program that we should copy and expand to other neighborhoods. AND parents must be convinced to get involved in the school, attend parent/teacher conferences, and become room mothers.

Cincinnati City Council can do it's part by including in the budget:

(1) The keeping of neighborhood pools open all summer long.

(2) Increase the number of summer family festivals at Sawyer Point and schedule other family festivals thruout the year. Corporate sponsors must be encouraged to partner in the costs.

(3) End the proposed closing of several pools and recreation centers.

In the last decade Cincinnati had PARENTING classes. And I have been told that this program had great success. But the City "leaders felt that these classes were insignificant and cancelled the program.

Bringing back the Parenting classes may be a part of the needed COMMON SENSE.

Cincinnati people are good people. Cincinnati parents want the best for their families and children but maybe some parents need a helping hand.