"What is the plight of low-income children in Moore County?"

Several members of the Moore County League of Women Voters asked this question and began this study in 2005 over concern that 20.5 percent of Moore County's children lived in families below the Federal poverty guidelines.

Thus begins the 60-page report titled "A Portrait of Poverty: The Impact of Poverty on Children Up to 18 Years of Age in Moore County, North Carolina," that was recently published.

The completed report was recently distributed in a small kick-off reception to representatives of the 18 agencies that were personally interviewed by the committee. The agencies that were so helpful in the interview process were: Family Promise of Moore County, First Health Dental Clinics, Friend to Friend, Headstart, Law Enforcement (six different people were interviewed), Moore Buddies, Moore County Department of Social Service, Moore County Health Department, Moore County Schools, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Northern Moore Family Resource Center, Partners for Children and Families, Sandhills Community Action, Sandhills Community College. Also, a poverty survivor was interviewed, and her life story is at the end of the report (only her name was changed for privacy).

Five members of the League completed the research and study for the "Portrait of Poverty." John Reagan and Barbara Farr, Ph.D. were the co-chairs of the committee. Other League members who assisted were Carolyn Mealing, Darlene Horton and O'Linda Gillis. The narrative was written by Barbara Farr and the design and typography were completed by Jeff Farr.

The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.

Other activities of the local League include the two candidate forums, being planned for Oct. 7 and Oct. 16. Call Myrle Jo Nicholas at 673-3604, e-mail WVMoore@bellsouth.net or visit www.lwvmc.org.