A charmed life

13 percent of people in the U.S. live in poverty. For children, the number is 17 percent. And poverty doesn't just mean living uncomfortably. In 2003, a family of three would be considered below the poverty line if they made less than $15,260 in one year. Think about a mother with two children who has to pay for rent, transportation, food, childcare, clothing, healthcare. If a family is below the poverty line, they may possibly qualify for Head Start, Food Stamps, the National School Lunch Program, Low-Income Home Energy Assistance, and the Children's Health Insurance Program. If a household makes $15,261, they do not qualify. Of the 17 percent of children growing up in poverty, how many get help? How many are able to break the cycle? How many are abused by their stressed out parents who cannot even get help for themselves?
This is what makes me want to be a social worker.
I just don't know if I could handle it.

U.S. Census.