The Leaven

In Their Own Words

Recent studies have shown once again the implications of socio-economic status on the long-term growth and success of children and families.

Mr. Jeffery Canada, Director of the Harlem Children’s Zone, offers these statistics about families in low socioeconomic communities, those whom The Leaven targets:

• In 1970’s, there were fewer than 100,000 in jail; now there are 2.5 million people in jail. The cost is about $40,000/year, with few benefits.
• 75% of military applicants can’t pass the exam, 50% have no high school diploma, and 25% have committed felonies.
• Studies from Harvard University reveal that within the first three years of life, children from families on welfare have vocabularies of only 400 words, while the children of high school graduates had vocabularies of 600 words, and even greater still – the children of college graduates have vocabularies of 1200 words.
• Children from parents on welfare were already behind at only 18 months of age. If we wait until these children are five years old, students will have fallen so far behind that they may never catch up. But if we start early, we can make a difference.
• Developmental delays are created by minority status, low education of parents, single parents, poverty, domestic violence, spousal abuse, and neglect.

The children who attend The Leaven need to be here, they need the extra time after school to reinforce what is learned in the classroom. Their participation is crucial to their growth, as they seek to overcome the challenges surrounding them. The students are eager to come and excited to learn, and this contagious enthusiasm will only further their future growth as well.

“Multiplication and division are my favorites, and I like how the teachers at The Leaven help me get it done faster.” — Raina, age 9

“I like helping the younger kids and Ms. Paulina. I wish I could tell lots of kids: come check it out. Meet new people and learn a lot.” — Alex, age 13.

“I am learning how to be responsible and how to help others. We have a great time, and everyone is so nice.” — Ernie, age 8.

“The teachers help me with my math, and that helps me at school.” — Daniel, age 9.

“They teach you about God. It’s a good place to be.” — Janet, age 9.

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