Chester County Women and Girls Blueprint 2010

Posted by on October 04, 2010

Report outlines needs of Chesco women and girls

The Chester County Fund for Women and Girls has released Blueprint Report 2010, an update to its assessment of the needs of women and girls in Chester County first released in 2005.

http://ccwomenandgirls.org/pdf/Fund-BlueprintReport2010.pdf

The report is the first study that comprehensively identifies the critical economic, social and health needs of women and girls in the county. Significant findings include:
— As of 2008, 24% of single women with children in Chester County are living below the federal poverty line, a nearly 20% increase since 2005 (20.4% in 2005). The federal poverty guidelines state that a family of three would earn $18,310 or less to be considered in poverty.
— All 12 school districts in Chester County reported an increase in children eligible for free or reduced lunch last year.

The report confirms that the recession is having a significant effect on women and girls, and their families, in Chester County.

“We conducted this report for everyone who lives and works in Chester County, to bring these issues to the forefront of our awareness and planning.” said Heidi McPherson, Fund President, “Touch the lives of women and girls, and you can change the world, right here at home.”

The Blueprint Report 2010 also includes extensive commentary from nonprofit agencies, collected during the Fund’s eight-stop Listening Tour.

People interested in reading the report, receiving more information, or attending a Blueprint Report presentation in their area should visit the Fund website or call 484-356-0940.

http://www.ccwomenandgirls.org/