Analyst to speak on poverty; NPR, correspondent to introduce action center’s mission

from Newszap Delaware

By Erin Mahn, Daily Banner

CAMBRIDGE — Delmarva Community Services Inc. presents National Public Radio Senior Correspondent and Fox News political analyst Juan Williams to speak on the issue of poverty Friday in Cambridge.

Mr. Williams, a national spokesman on poverty, will introduce the mission of Delmarva Community Action Center, a division of Delmarva Community Services, to end poverty in Dorchester County.

Michelle Nicholas, director of the agency, heard Mr. Williams as the keynote speaker at the National Convention of Community Action Agencies in Florida and inspired by his message, invited him to inform and inspire local citizens, government leaders, volunteers and others.

“Mr. Williams will inspire us and paint a true picture of poverty,” Mary Handley of Delmarva Community Services said.

“People think poverty people don’t work, but that’s not true,” Ms. Handley said. “The real fact is two-thirds of all people who fall below the poverty line work 1.7 jobs everyday.”

In 2004, the median household income in Dorchester County was $36,358 and 13.9 percent of the population was below poverty, according to federal government statistics.

The Community Action Center in Cambridge has been designated by federal and state governments to design and facilitate programs that will eliminate poverty and serve the poor.

“This is important for Cambridge because many people in Dorchester County fall into the poverty category,” Ms. Handley said.

Other community actions groups have successful programs which the Community Action Center hopes to replicate. There are approximately 1,000 Community Action Agencies nationwide. These agencies are connected by a national network and many have been at work for 30 years.

Currently the center operates a community food pantry, a group home for men and several housing assistance programs.

In addition to assisting immediate crisis, the center implements educational and assistance programs about credit, financial decision making and opportunities, in an effort to move people from poverty to self-sufficiency.

“As a new Community Action Agency, we know we have to inform the community about our mission and the real facts regarding the issue of poverty,” Ms. Nicholas said. “There are people who support our agency, are genuinely concerned and what to participate in eradicating poverty. We are so fortunate to have Mr. Williams to motivate and inform us.”

Tickets (for the program only) are $25 for adults in advance, or $30 at the door. Student tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Combination tickets are $35 for those who would also like to meet Mr. Williams at a reception prior to the event.

For more information about tickets or the work of the Delmarva Community Action Center, call Delmarva Community Services at 410-221-1900.