The Internet is for Everyone

The Internet can provide a wealth of information and can add real value to our lives. However, low-income families often lag behind their middle income peers when it comes to access to the Internet. This is known as the “digital divide.” According to the Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project, 63 percent of families with incomes under $30,000 use the Internet; while 92 percent of families earning $50,000-$74,999 are online.


Think of the daily tasks you perform online: banking, completing applications, and even staying informed about current events. Imagine if you didn’t have this convenience. It’s easy to take such a tool for granted. As more and more offices and institutions are becoming paperless, the need for high-speed Internet access is becoming imperative.

There are multiple benefits for low-income families when services are provided online. With access to information and the potential ability to submit applications any time, families are not limited to applying for benefits in-person at local offices within specific timeframes. Also, transportation is not a barrier when you can take care of business from a computer anywhere.

At CANI, we try to accommodate families’ schedules, but it’s impossible to cater to everyone. That’s why Internet access can be very important, especially for working parents who might not have flexible schedules. We offer several of our applications online, but a lot of families still depend on on-site appointments to get assistance because they may not have access to the internet.

Many individuals rely on resources like the public library system to do online tasks. We are fortunate to have a great library system in Allen County that offers this resource and many others, but not every community has that.

CANI has recently learned of a company who is trying to make the Internet more accessible for low-income families. Comcast is offering an Internet Essentials package to families whose children receive free school lunches. Internet Essentials is aimed at helping more students and families have access to the Internet. In addition to a lower price, the Internet Essentials package offers a low-cost computer available at initial enrollment and access to free training.

We applaud companies who are willing to offer services at a fair price to people who have limited incomes. This is a step in the right direction.

How well do YOU tip?

Next time you go out for a meal, here’s some food for thought. How well do you tip?

As you likely know, servers rely on the bulk of their income to come in the form of tips. The base pay of $2.13/hour is barely enough to fill up a tank of gas, let alone support a family.

The truth is low-wage jobs like food service are among the most popular for our clients because they don’t require higher education. Still that doesn’t mean they don’t work just as hard as their college educated peers. So, next time you’re enjoying a meal out, think about the story behind your server or cashier.

Here’s one:

Tina is a recovered drug addict. She is on the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-housing Program, which involves housing assistance, along with case management to educate families on how to break the cycle of homelessness.

Tina works full-time at Burger King and if it weren’t for the program she would not be able to pay her full rent. According to her case manager, she is trying to become self-sufficient, paying a portion of her rent and utilities. She receives food stamps assistance, but still has to rely on food pantries to feed her family.

What is most challenging is that her hours are not consistent. Unlike a standard 9-to-5 job, she cannot depend on a 40 hour work week to make ends meet. Tina will more than likely need to be on income based housing until she can find employment that will bring in sufficient income.

Unfortunately, Tina’s story is a pretty common depiction of the everyday struggles of the working poor. Millions of American breadwinners, like Tina, work hard to support their families. But, despite their determination and effort, many are mired in low-wage jobs that provide inadequate benefits and offer little opportunity for advancement and economic security. If you’re curious about the state of working families in Indiana, check out this report from the Indiana Community Action Association.

You can do your part to help by leaving a fair tip. Remember, every little bit helps.

Take the summer "on"

The school year is over. For most, summer conjures up pleasant images: swimming pools, ice cream, baseball games, family vacations. For many low-income children the summer isn’t always a day at the beach. Still, there are ways for YOU to help and make a difference in a child’s life:

Low-income children and youth often miss out on fun childhood experiences due to money constraints or transportation issues.

How you can help: Donate money to CANI’s Youth Program or serve as a mentor for a middle-school aged student for a career shadow session. Mentors are needed in the following professions: Teacher (2), Mediator/Facilitator, OB-GYN, Lawyer (2), Nurse, Special Education Teacher, Physical Therapist, Forensic Scientist, Pet store owner/Veterinarian (2), Police Officer, and Video Game Designer. Mentors will need to commit to 3-5 days during one of the following weeks: June 27, July 11 or July 18. This is a great opportunity to empower youth and enhance your company’s reputation. Contact Rachel Eldridge for more information.

How you can help: Support Wellspring’s Summer Day Camp program – one of the few free Day Camp options available during the summer.

How you can help: Become a Big Brother or Big Sister – this will help not just during the summer, but all year long.

Many children rely on the school system for two square meals a day. What happens in the summer? Are they eating healthy food or any at all?

How you can help: Donate food to a summer program or food bank. Locally, Community Harvest Food Bank has a Kids Café, where they serve hot meals for children in need.

Many students who struggle academically are assigned a tutor during the school year. This is great, but they need year-round attention to improve or stay on track for the next year.

How you can help: Volunteer for a summer volunteer opportunity through Learn United. Low-income students fall behind academically during the summer because they are not exposed to the same kinds of learning opportunities as their wealthier counterparts.