Race, Place Shape Fate for Youngest DC Residents, Bainum Family Foundation Report Finds

BETHESDA, Md.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Young children living in the District of Columbia’s Ward 7 and Ward 8
disproportionately face obstacles that impede their educational,
developmental, and even survival potential, a new report finds. The
analysis, conducted by Child Trends for the Bainum Family Foundation,
indicates that infants and toddlers in those wards are up to 40 times
more likely to face these obstacles than their peers in the District’s
more affluent areas.

“This report tells a tale of two cities: Infants and toddlers in Ward 7
and Ward 8 face much greater challenges than those in other parts of the
District, and their support systems are nowhere near equal,” said Rozita
Green, Chief Strategy Officer at the Bainum Family Foundation.

The analysis explores factors correlated with early childhood success,
assessing their prevalence in different parts of the District. It finds
that, compared with those in more affluent areas, young children in the
District’s poorest wards are:

The analysis also compares early childhood outcomes by ward and region.
It finds that, compared with those in more affluent areas, young
children in the District’s poorest wards are:

“In DC today, the color of a child’s skin and the address on his or her
mailbox determine that child’s chances of success – or even survival,”
said Green. “We can and should do more to level the playing field for
all babies in DC. The District’s progress on pre-K shows we can improve
the odds, if policymakers make kids a priority.”

Approximately 9,000 infants are born in the District each year. U.S.
Census Bureau data for 2014 indicates that more than 26,000 children
ages 0-2 live in the District. Based on the 2010 census, African
Americans accounted for 94 percent of Ward 8 residents and 95 percent of
Ward 7 residents. African Americans accounted for 5 percent of Ward 3
residents.

The Bainum Family Foundation plans to launch a new early childhood
funding initiative in 2016, supporting efforts to secure meaningful
policy reforms and service improvements for young children in the
District. Foundation support for this initiative over five years is
expected to reach $10 million.

“In partnership with some of the city’s most effective nonprofits, we
are committed to breaking the bonds that hold back babies and toddlers
in Southeast DC,” said Green. “From improving supports for families to
closing service gaps for young children, we know what needs to be
addressed. The District’s policymakers must provide leadership on this
issue and help to secure the necessary resources and support.”

Download the report or request a hard copy at http://bainumfdn.org/a-tale-of-two-cities-bainum-report-details-status-of-the-districts-youngest-residents/.

The Bainum Family Foundation combines proven expertise with a passion
for supporting the whole child by providing integrated services to help
them thrive. Our circle of collaboration includes investments and
support in early learning, wrap-around services and knowledge building.
Founded in 1968 by Stewart and Jane Bainum, it was originally known as
The College Foundation, and later the Commonweal Foundation, and has
helped children exit poverty through educational programs and services
for 47 years. For more information, visit www.bainumfdn.org.

For more information about the report, Infants and Toddlers in the
District of Columbia: A Statistical Look at Needs and Disparities,
or to speak with a Foundation representative, contact:

Contacts

Springboard Partners
Ed Walz, 202-374-2024
ed@springboard.partners
or
Bainum
Family Foundation
Ann Egan, 240-450-0027
aegan@bainumfdn.org