Thank you so much for posting this with all the extra info about some of the programs that began with LBJ's initiative.
Also, would like to thank you and Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin for both mentioning the excellent book, Evicted. I have read a little more than halfway through it, and although the subject is bleak as hell, I really appreciate the way the author explains what's going on, with both the evictor*and* evictee circumstances told. It's really *something* ! And unfortunately, the way it was, seemed like it was an endless circle that basically messed up the finances of all involved, except maybe the courts that processed the evictions.
But , I also wanted to add something about the Headstart program. I was lucky and pleased with the Headstart program that I was able to use for my son when he was still too young for kindergarten. The staff was good, and the facility and program were excellent. TBH, I don't recall how I was directed to apply there. But I was a single Mom, working, going to community college and not receiving child support or food stamps at the time. The thing I liked most was honestly, not having to pay half my paycheck to daycare! And knowing that it was a place that focused on enriching, educational things. But my boy was already an avid reader and loved learning even back then!
But reading your post, and learning that it was one of many programs meant to keep people out of poverty- I have to tell you this;
A few years after my son was done with the program, I was still working at my same employer but had been slowly hoping to work towards a degree in teaching. So I applied for a position with Headstart. I had been working retail, with retail wages , with only small 5¢ or 50¢ raises over the three or so years I had been there. And Headstart was offering less. I SO wanted to take the job anyway! But, not only was the pay less than what I was making, the location of the hiring Headstart was a much farther drive from my home, AND, (and this is what made me decide against it) , it was considered a temporary/seasonal job. Because during the summer months, Headstart was closed , like public schools are, only there was no pay for that time. Teacher's usually get a salary that they can budget through the year to make it thru summer months. But at Headstart it was an hourly rate and the teachers were told to get unemployment through the summer! Every summer! I almost didn't believe the interviewer when she said that, but I knew a girl thru a friend of a friend who worked at a different one and she said, Yep! They do it all the time, no problem!
So, it's sad that although the concept and rollout and continuation of the program seemed to be hitting the mark - the hiring and employees running the show seemed to be given less consideration in the big picture of Ending Poverty.
And I had forgotten until I began typing this, but the Director of the program at my son's Headstart? She was making a much larger salary than her teachers! Without a doubt! Of course, she had an advanced degree, but I hardly ever caught the Director working on much when I saw her there. But she would come through my line at my work, and ask me for discounts on the clothes she was buying all the time! SMH.
Thanks again!
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