Ascend

About Us

In the United States today, nearly forty percent of all children -- more than 30.5 million children -- live in low-income families. Those families led by women are significantly more likely to live in low-income households, with two-thirds living in poverty. Families led by single mothers make up almost two-thirds of families with children living in poverty. And for single mothers with at least one child under the age of six, the poverty rate is 58 percent for African Americans and 55 percent for Hispanics/Latinas, compared with 49 percent for Whites. As of the last Census report, about 55% of Native American children living in single-mother households were living in poverty.

While these statistics are dire, we have an opportunity to change families' economic security by leveraging their own strengths and assets, as well as those of their communities.  Indeed, research shows that women persevere under such economic pressures. According to qualitative research conducted in 2009 by Greenberg, Quinlan and Rosen, single mothers are currently the only segment of the population that believes their children will fare better in the future.

And yet many policies and support programs focus solely on the parent or on the child. These separate strategies have not served the next generation well, as poverty in single-parent households persists. Data analysis consistently shows that the key predictors to a child’s long-term success include the educational achievement of both parents, yet particularly that of the mother, as well as the overall income and economic status of the family, and resilience of the mother and the extended family. A two-generation strategy is key to moving parents, especially women, and their children beyond poverty.

Our Values

We believe that a country in which millions of families, especially those headed by women, are living in poverty is not an equitable or sustainable one.  The long-term economic prosperity of our country is at risk when parents and children, both of whom are resilient in spite of great odds, struggle to achieve educational and economic success.  Each of these values informs our belief that the solution is more powerful than the problem, and that we can – and will – create conditions that allow economic security for all families.

Agility
We adapt quickly and efficiently to take advantage of opportunities and overcome challenges, and we engage with diverse collaborators from across sectors while pursuing our goals.

Boldness
We are not simply willing, but eager, to make change happen. We take risks to catalyze change and accomplish our goals.

Creativity
We tackle problems in fresh ways by bringing diverse - and sometimes unconventional - resources and partners to the table.

Determination
We are clear about our goals and mission, and we are resilient in the face of challenges.

Excellence
We hold ourselves to the highest standards and maintain a strong focus on quality.  We seek out partners and collaborators with the same high expectations and commitment.

Our Philanthropic Partnerships

Ascend was founded with catalytic support from leaders who have an established and longstanding commitment to these issues, both in expertise and active investments.  Ascend has secured philanthropic commitments from leading foundations: W.K. Kellogg Foundation; Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; Open Society Foundations/Special Fund for Poverty Alleviation; The Kresge Foundation; Chambers Family Fund; as well as several private family philanthropists.  Ascend continues to develop and seek out philanthropic partners with a vision for family economic security and robust capacity for effecting change.