New Haven Independent

This was the message Raymond L. Torres, vice president of the Annie E. Casey Foundation, drove home on Friday at the annual Empower New Haven luncheon at the New Haven Lawn Club. Torres is pictured with Empower New Haven President Althea Marshall Richardson.

The theory of change, as explained by Torres, is built on five main principles:
• Improving job access for parents.
• Helping parents figure out how to optimize their wages.
• Enhancing the savings of low-income families.
• Leveling the cost of living.
• Strengthening community organizations and services in the community.

These all embrace the “two generation approach,” which increases the earning potential of parents while simultaneously dealing directly with issues faced by the children.

“This long term-agenda requires all of us working together,” said Torres. “Children will do well when parents have stronger foundations to do well.”

Five years ago,Casey Family Services — a charity under the Annie E. Casey umbrella — moved its regional headquarters to New Haven. Since then Casey partnered with numerous local interest groups to develop and improve on the lives of disadvantaged kids in the community.

“Casey was new to the region and partnered with key organizations,” said Kia Levey, capacity program administrator at Empower New Haven (pictured alongside Kathy Dockery). “They have provided local groups with money for current programs and also expanded their own ventures. They brought more than money — they are also the lead researchers in this type of policy.”

Warren Kimbro (pictured), CEO of Project MORE, said Casey Family Services has been beneficial to his organization, which helps ex-convicts go straight.

In 1999, New Haven was designated as an Empowerment Zone, entitling the city to specially marked federal funding. This designation expires in 2009. Empower New Haven is looking for ways to maintain its mission even if their organization loses its designation, explained Daniel D. Newell, chair of the organization (pictured).

“With partners like [Casey Family Services], our work will continue,” Newell said.