2016 FPWA Legislative Breakfast

Attendees included FPWA member agencies and other community and faith-based leaders eager to exchange in dialogue concerning the issues and challenges faced in the struggle to eradicate poverty.

Sponsored in part by The Clark Foundation, the morning speakers discussed the necessary work at hand required to empower disadvantaged individuals and families and render lasting change. They delved into the importance of partnerships in achieving such progress, specifically partnerships of state and local government and the nonprofits working to increase the pathways to upward mobility and securing self-sufficiency for New York’s most vulnerable.

“Together, they begin to weave a fabric of support for New Yorkers,” said Palacio.

Assemblyman Allen Hevesi shed light on the reality of playing defense at a government and social services level. He eloquently spoke about the reality of neglect at all levels and was transparent about an immediate need to improve New York State social services while noting that the resource test for public assistance creates a barrier that maintains rather than eradicates poverty.

While addressing how to change the trajectory of the historical plight of the disadvantaged, recurring themes included healthcare accessibility and education for the most hard to reach, salary and benefits parity, affordable housing and workforce development.

Missed the breakfast? Scroll below to catch up with the conversation via Storify.