The Clinton School Center on Community Philanthropy is hosting a community conversation today in Forrest City, Ark., to discuss the work of an initiative it’s leading to fight poverty in the Mississippi River Delta region of Arkansas.
The effort, titled “Emerging Communities Initiative (ECI): Reducing levels of poverty in the Delta,” has targeted three Delta communities – Forrest City, Helena-West Helena and Blytheville – and is working to help find ways to reduce poverty among the most vulnerable residents of those areas.
Today’s meeting will bring together ECI “coaches,” community members, Clinton School students and representatives from the Arkansas State Taskforce on Poverty to discuss emerging issues and ideas for reducing poverty.
According to the Center on Community Philanthropy, one in seven Americans lives in poverty – an income of $21,000 or less for a family of four.
“I think that’s why this work is so important,” said Dr. Charlotte L. Williams, director of the center.
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