COMPASSION '10 helps nonprofits
understand and assist their clients

SANFORD, N.C. — Even the most conscientious ministry and social service leaders struggle to help people in poverty. Often it's because they don't fully understand their clients' perspective and may choose an approach that doesn't work.

That was the central message from Susan Pennock, a consultant with Communities In Schools of North Carolina and keynote speaker last week at COMPASSION '10, an annual community roundtable to enhance human services in Lee County.

In "Understanding Poverty," the centerpiece event for this year's roundtable, Pennock explained how families mired in poverty for two or more generations have a very different mindset from their neighbors trying to provide help.

While schools, ministries and agencies operate with a middle-class approach — one that places a premium on planning, for example — families with a history of poverty are usually focused squarely on immediate needs.

"When you wake up in survival mode, it's a reaction to the emergency right now," Pennock said. "My family needs food. My child has a toothache. And that is the only thing that's on my mind."

It shouldn't be surprising, then, that so many clients don't respond to classes, group meetings or similar programs.

Another reason service initiatives fall flat, Pennock believes, is that they're often bureaucratic and impersonal. For people in generational poverty — as opposed to facing some short-term setback — personal relationships are critical.

Moving through stories from her own experience and ministry, the speaker gave examples of how trust and respect are what matter to clients seeking help.

That need for belonging helps explain everything from why gang membership is so attractive to why a system-oriented approach to providing aid won't work nearly as well as a more personal one.

What moves people out of poverty, Pennock told about 90 people attending, is education and relationships, but the relationships need to be in place before clients will be receptive to advice.

That can be hard to grasp for service providers with a different perspective. "We get so caught up in what we're doing," Pennock said, "that we forget the people we're there to serve."

There are other differences as well. Sprinkled through her presentation were more insights and suggestions.

* People who own land generally share a middle-class mindset, even if a lower income might not place them in that socioeconomic category.

* Poverty is relative. A Lee County teacher taking her salary to New York City might be considered poor, while a New York City teacher bringing his salary to Lee County might seem well off.

* Poverty is growing more in rural communities, but is transitional; 40 percent of all people do not end up living in the same socioeconomic class in which they were raised.

* People in situational poverty — those experiencing a short-term setback — often have resources from family, friends and education to help recover that are not available to people in generational poverty.

* Entertainment is especially important for families trapped in generational poverty as a way of escape.

COMPASSION '10 included an annual update by United Way Executive Director Jan Hayes on the scope and type of social services currently being provided in Lee County and advice by Lee County Emergency Services Director Shane Seagroves for helping older adults avoid fires and burns at home.

The United Way of Lee County has raised and distributed millions of dollars to help nurture children, enhance self-sufficiency and strengthen families. Contributions raised throughout the year, including the fall campaign, are distributed to more than two dozen partner agencies dedicated to improving life for everyone in Lee County.

Press Contact
Jan Hayes, Executive Director
919.776.5823
janhayes@leecountyunitedway.org