NLCN 2008 FOCUS

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NLCN 2008 FOCUS

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Education

The primary focus for Strategic Human Services and the
North Lawndale Community News during 2008 will be
Church, Financial Literacy and Technology. There are many
problems that face North Lawndale and its neighboring
communities. All are the most important to any individual
when it is his, her, or their biggest battle.

Many people believe in God. Churches, Synagogues, or
Temples are good places, albeit not the only places, to develop
a connection. There are many churches on the Westside and
in Chicago, with the Faith based Initiatives, they have
developed more outreach into the communities with programs
and advocacy. We want more people to know that church is a
great resource that helps improve the lifestyle of individuals
and families.

There is still a great economic inequality. Being
financially, unwise and uneducated, has created an
uncountable loss for many in our coverage area.
The National Black Caucus of States Institute.(NBCSI)
recognizes that while personal finance is important to
everyone—lack of personal financial knowledge, increased
debt and access to financial services has had a negatively
disproportional impact on families—particularly African
American families with limited resources.

Data indicate the overwhelming gap of economic
resources as African Americans lag in home and business
ownership, lack of savings accounts and lower credit scores.
There are alarming statistics that help frame these

concerns:
· According to the Corporation for Enterprise
Development 60% of African American families have zero
or negative net financial assets.
· The average Black household has 54 cents of income
and 12 cents of wealth for every dollar earned and held by
whites.

· In the United States, 10% of the families control 90 % of
financial wealth.

· A consumer with a low credit score of 560 compared to
a consumer with a high credit score of 720 will pay
approximately $400 a month more or $4,800 more a year—
if they qualify for a loan.

· A disproportionate number of low credit scores are found
in predominantly African American communities.
If there is going to be long-term improvement in this
situation, NBCSI believes that it will begin with economic
Education. From the Economic Empower Forums of the
National Black Caucus of States Institute website. www.nbcsi.
SHS believes becoming financially literate can help solve
the challenges above, and others, while also helping to create
a better community for all.

We also wll continue using technology to help educate,
connect you to these resources. Throughout the year, we will
connect you with resources and residents working in these
areas. Check out our website and links such as the Lawndale
Beehive. NLCN will continue to provide news and
information on issues and events that are relevant to our
readers, as well as touch on the focus of our previous years.

By becoming a God connected, financially wise people,
knowing, loving and caring about each other more, we can
more participate and benefit in making our communities
model neighborhoods. We hope by reading this community
newspaper, you will become or remain inspired to keep
moving foward to a better life wisely, overcoming adversity.

NLCN 2008 FOCUS