WHY LIBERTY CITY?
We are determined that the future of Liberty City’s children will not be defined by their zip code. MCI’s aims are both ambitiously broad and keenly focused: It seeks, on one hand, to touch virtually every aspect of the community’s life as the next generation of Liberty City’s infants and children grows to adulthood. Yet it plans to do so, not by taking single-handed responsibility for each economic and social problem facing every child and family, but by creating a self-reinforcing community of families building a common future through their own efforts. To do this in an environment where underlying institutions and social structures are fragile and embattled, MCI plans to reach 100% (well over the 60% requirement) of the children and youth (0-24) in the next ten years, and a significant percentage of residents with an increasingly effective mix of programs. As an underlying tenant of the model, MCI plans to tailor those programs to the changing needs of its younger constituents, beginning with the youngest, which are most open to support and guidance.
IMPACT OF POVERTY
- Poverty has a universal impact, affecting children at home, in school, and in their communities.
- Poverty is linked to substandard housing, homelessness, inadequate nutrition and food insecurity, inadequate childcare, lack of access to health care, unsafe neighborhoods, and under-resourced schools.
- Poorer children and youth are also at greater risk for poor academic achievement, school dropout, abuse and neglect, behavioral and socio-emotional problems, physical health problems, and developmental delays.
ADULTS IN LIBERTY CITY
- Have an average unemployment rate of 13.4% compared to the national average of 5%
- Have a high school graduation rate of less than 45%
- Have a college graduation rate of 8.2% compared to the national average of 30.1%
- Have a neighborhood per capita income lower than 97% of other U.S. neighborhoods
AT-RISK CHILDREN & TEENS
At –risk children & teens
who don’t have their academic, social, emotional and physical needs met are:
- 25% more likely to drop out of school
- 40% more likely to become a teen parent
- 50% more likely to be placed in special education
- 60% more likely to never attend college
- 70% more likely to be arrested for a violent crime
MCI believes that Liberty City’s strength lies in the undeveloped potential of its youth and that the potential of each child can be unleashed through focused, intentional and strategic educational and social investment.
What's New!
We are looking for a few good people. Miami Children's Initiative is hiring and looking for candidates in the following areas:
- Program Managers
- Community Advocates
- Security Personnel
- Program Coordinators
If you you have a positive attitude and want to join a team that makes a difference in an under-serviced community, click the button below and submit your application.
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