In 2017 United Way of Greater Atlanta launched the child well-being movement and mission in the metro Atlanta area. The mission asks, how are the children? The answer was startling. The children are not well based on the data. With partners, United Way created an index based on 14 measures to calibrate the health and well-being of children, families, and the community.
The initial index was 58.9 out of 100 for metropolitan Atlanta. The data and index are available at the zip code level. For South Fulton, the index was even lower at 39.8 out of 100. Over the course of the next 2 years, we worked to implement programs and initiatives to help the community thrive and improve the scores. By 2019, the scores improved slightly. Metro Atlanta’s score increased to 61.8 and South Fulton to 42.1.
Directionally the programs were moving the scores in the right direction. Still, a great deal of work and focus is required. In 2020, COVID-19 came along. Major problems erupted because of COVID. We have not recalibrated the scores, as of this time but expect to have new data before the end of 2022.
Key actions across all sectors are necessary to improve the health of communities and for businesses to thrive. If the community is not well, business growth will be stagnated. New businesses will not move into blighted communities. Small businesses are at risk of not being able to meet needs due to lack of business, lack of qualified employees, crime, and escalating mental health issues. The business community needs to get involved to help. How?
The community needs all of us working together to ensure a thriving future for our children and ourselves.
For more information go to https://www.unitedwayatlanta.org/
