As those of us in human services well know, the scope and implications of these conditions are alarming. Increased health problems, higher incidence of domestic violence and substance abuse, increased likelihood of dropping out of school, and diminished prospects for the future are only some of the risks associated with financial instability and impoverishment. Simultaneously, our human services infrastructure – at both the community and government levels – shudders under the weight of the crisis as it struggles to keep up with the increased need, despite a significant decline in philanthropic giving, federal funding that is limited to “economic stimulus” purposes, and near-bankrupt state budgets.
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