New effort to fight poverty merits support

An innovative plan that the United Way of Greater Cleveland unveiled last week for tackling poverty at its roots should be commended by all and, at the appropriate time, generously supported.

No greater problem faces this region than the multigenerational poverty that exists in far too many neighborhoods of Cleveland and the inner-ring suburbs. Our struggles with crime, violence and an undereducated workforce are all tied to poverty.

August Napoli, the CEO of the United Way, understands the scope of this problem better than most.

His agency helps fund 87 programs, most of which deal directly with families in desperate need of food, clothing, shelter, medical care or counseling ....

In the next few months, Napoli intends to form several work groups to focus on the areas of education, financial stability, health and basic needs. The members of the work groups will form what Napoli is dubbing the Impact Institute . ...

The Impact Institute is a new direction that looks promising.

So, if you receive an invitation to join the Impact Institute, please accept.

If you know someone who has joined, please thank them for volunteering.

And when the United Way asks for your financial support, please consider giving.

Read the full editorial from the Cleveland Plain Dealer at bit.ly/2KpNSZk