Parents Organizing for Welfare and Economic Rights

POWER is a place where caregivers can work, where their children are welcome, and where childcare needs are considered. The majority of our members are low-income single parents, many are disabled and/or raising disabled children, and most of us have used or still use the social safety net to meet our basic needs like food and medical care. With the government shutdown suspending food stamps across the nation, our members are scrambling to support each other with what we have.

Our workshops and events are designed to give our low income parents and other unpaid caregivers, the space to relax, enjoy a meal, and participate in Voters Roundtables, Legislative training, Art and Story making workshops, and more. Our leadership model honors children and caregiving and all of our events and workshops include food and childcare so that low-income parents are able to fully participate.

As members develop leadership skills, it is empowering for them. They take that feeling with them when they leave our rooms; to City Hall and the Legislature, and beyond. When children see their parents grow in confidence and have the support of a community they learn from it and are also empowered. Systemic change is seen in the ways this has a ripple effect to the next generation.