The CHALLENGE:

A majority of U.S. children will have spent a significant part of their childhood in a one-parent home by the time they reach 18. Single-parent homes in the U.S. nearly doubled in the period from 1968 to 2003.

Studies show that family structure was consistently found to be the deciding factor in a wide range of child behaviors that directly influence academic performance, including emotional and psychological distress, attention disorders, social misbehavior, substance abuse, sexual activity and teen pregnancy. Children from non-intact homes also had higher rates of stress, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem, particularly as teenagers.

The ANSWER:

Every child, regardless of race, religion or financial status, deserves the chance to follow his or her dreams.

Every child has a dream – a hope, an inspiration, an aim. That dream gives him something to look forward to; for example, when a child dreams of being a firefighter when he grows up. A dream also gives children something to focus on and to help them keep going through hard times. It motivates them to do well in school so they can achieve this dream. All these reasons are why it is so important to teach our children to dream and to reach for those dreams.

Unfortunately, the dreams of children from single-parent homes often die due to lack of available resources.

The primary goal of Onechildhood is to make an investment in improving the lives of children from disadvantaged, single-parent homes. We aim to help children pursue their dreams by giving them the chance to participate in activities they otherwise are not able to afford.

The benefits and rewards gained with setting goals and following through on a sports team or through the study of art are astronomical. They range from learning about teamwork, and commitment to improving self esteem and self expression, as well as fostering creativity and the motivation to learn.

For that reason, it is important that we give these children the chance to follow their passion no matter what that it is. Involvement in the creative process can also help a child blossom and become even more productive, giving the opportunity for many doors to open, which helps lead to a successful future.

Children reared in single-parent homes are:

• 20 times more likely to have behavioral problems.
• 20 times more likely to become rapists.
• 32 times more likely to run away.
• 10 times more likely to abuse chemical substances.
• 9 times more likely to drop out of high school.
• 33 times more likely to be seriously abused.
• 73 times more likely to be fatally abused.
• 8 times more likely to go to prison.
• 5 times more likely to commit suicide.
  
  On average, they have:
• a 44% higher mortality rate.
• a 72% lower standard of living.

• Team work
• Sense of pride and accomplishment
• Prevent drug and alcohol abuse
• Increase self-esteem
• Confidence
• Do better in school
• Enhance social skills
• Learn how to handle conflict

• Imagination
• Creative abilities
• Problem solving
• Language
• Social skills
• Focusing
• Listening