Growing Up Poor
Growing Up Poor was a hybrid-style film screening and discussion with Illinois Humanities' Big Read and the Oglesby Public Library
About the Film
Poor Kids (Full Documentary)
Filmed in the Quad Cities in 2012 (and updated in 2017) this documentary explores the lives of children living in the suburbs of the nation’s heartland and growing up poor. Told from the point of view of the children themselves, this documentary offers perspective on the impact of unemployment, foreclosure and financial distress as seen through the eyes of the children.
Community Discussion
A recording of the community discussion following the film screening of "Poor Kids." Guest Speakers Vanessa Hoffeditz and Chris Merrett discussed the realities of intergenerational poverty and what economic and social progress may look like.
Guest Speakers
Vanessa Hoffeditz has worked as a Community Services Manager for Tri-County Opportunities Council for thirteen years. Tri-County is a Community Action Agency whose mission is to investigate the impact of poverty in their nine-county area and work in partnership with individuals, families and communities to provide opportunities that support movement toward stability and self-sufficiency. In her role, she provides support and direction to Outreach staff who work directly with low-income households. She is also responsible for running the agency’s food pantry which serves Bureau County. Her daily encounters with households experiencing poverty have provided her with knowledge of what these households face as they experience food insecurity, unstable living situations, and daily struggles with meeting basic needs.
Chris Merrett earned his Ph.D. (University of Iowa) in Geography and Planning. He currently serves as the Dean for Innovation and Economic Development, as well as the Director of the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs (IIRA), at Western Illinois University.
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