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How can we make progress on a problem as huge and seemingly intractable as poverty? How can we not? There is no silver bullet to eradicating poverty, but all across the country, a diverse array of social entrepreneurs are doing their part to take on this monumental challenge, building amazing organizations that are having a real impact in their communities. Catalysts, a Freethink original series presented by Stand Together, will take viewers to the frontlines of the fight against poverty to understand the challenges we face and meet the people behind some of the most innovative solutions to this complicated issue.
Our K-12 education system is centered around the assumption that every student learns and masters material the exact same way. The problem is: they don’t.
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What if there was a way to fast-forward innovation? An economist and tech billionaire recently joined forces to make research grants available within 14 days.
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The foster care system has become a catch-all for all forms of family crises, but what if there was a resource parents could access for support before government intervention even became necessary?
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This Y Combinator startup is building new, criminal justice technology solutions to sustainably reduce our prison populations.
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In this unique job training program for those experiencing poverty, coaches focus on teaching the “harder skills” - love, forgiveness, and connection.
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Acts Housing is empowering low-income families by offering resources for every step of the process, from financial counselors to home renovation support.
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The FDA recently lifted restrictions against an online eye exam provider to help optometrists reach their patients during the pandemic. Will vision care go virtual for good?
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By developing the skills of entrepreneurs in low-income communities, this nonprofit is empowering people to generate sustainable income and become a force for economic growth in their neighborhoods.
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Isolation can be especially difficult for recovering addicts, so this sober active community is hosting virtual fitness classes for free.
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This progressive organization is on a mission to break the cycle of recidivism, using coding. Incarcerated individuals can now spend their sentences acquiring marketable skills.
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Many college students’ ability to realize their full potential is hampered by insurmountable expenses, so OpenStax is turning the tide by providing access to free textbooks.
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This 51-acre neighborhood for the homeless will be the first of its kind in the U.S. to have 3D printed homes.
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In the impoverished community of Bonton, it takes a three-hour bus ride just to reach the nearest grocery store. But the neighborhood is now home to one of the largest urban farms in the US - offering jobs, nutrition programs, and more.
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unCommon Construction offers a unique alternative to your typical internship for high school students. Their program turns build sites into real-world classrooms where interns learn the soft skills they’ll need to succeed in the workforce.
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In the midst of his prison sentence for murder, Sean Pica helped found Hudson Link - an organization dedicated to reducing recidivism and improving lives through higher education.
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As drug overdose deaths climb higher, this gym is challenging the thinking behind traditional models for addiction recovery services with free memberships open to anyone sober for at least 48 hours.
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A remarkable transformation is taking place in several inner-city Chicago schools, and it's resulting in fewer gangs, drugs, and homicides. Could this new model of group therapy be the cause, and is it scalable?
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When domestic violence survivors share their stories, they feel empowered and find their voice. At Leap to Success, women have the opportunity to do both, forming a clear path to healing from the trauma of abuse.
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The greatest investment of all may be in people’s strengths and initiative. This nonprofit is doing just that, and it’s working.
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For the children of Dallas, these ex gang leaders may be their only chance.
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When a child faces chaos at home, it's impossible to learn. This school is doing whatever it takes to help homeless students and their families create better lives.
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After his dad died, he struggled in high school and ended up getting a DUI. Stuck in dead-end jobs, he responded to a nonprofit’s post for free skilled labor training - and his whole life changed.
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This running club that meets at 5:45am is helping the homeless transform their lives.
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This nonprofit is doing the impossible - finding the 10% of gang members responsible for 90% of the crime, and leading them to successful, positive lives.
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Hope House in Denver is changing lives for generations to come.
More Info about A home helping teen moms break the cycle of generational poverty
Take a look inside a town built for foster families
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He turned a food truck for the homeless into a thriving 51-acre community.
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Meet the innovative group connecting people with housing — and a job that can pay for it.
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It’s time to change how we make change. Join us as we meet inspiring social entrepreneurs who are exploring bold new solutions to big social problems.
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