The pandemic and its ensuing economic upheaval have been wrenching for families of young children — especially those who were already living paycheck to paycheck. But the crisis of the past two years has also opened up multiple avenues for innovation in tackling childhood poverty — including in Chicago.

On November 3, join WTTW and LIFT-Chicago for a conversation about the work being done in our state to lift children and families out of poverty — part of the FIRSTHAND: Living in Poverty event series. The discussion focus on Melissa Fonseca, a mother from Humboldt Park who juggles childcare, a full-time job at Walgreens, and her efforts to return to school to pursue her education. Melissa will be joined by a panel of fellow LIFT-Chicago parents and experts working on early childhood education and poverty alleviation in Illinois, who will discuss creative and important new projects aiming to support families as we transition out of the pandemic.

Watch highlights from the documentary series and join in the Q&A moderated by LIFT-Chicago executive director Sarah Spunt (LCSW). The conversation will be hosted via Zoom.

Community Engagement for FIRSTHAND: Living in Poverty is made possible in part by Caerus Foundation, Inc.