The final in a two-part series explores how Americans may be able to get out of poverty and back on the road to success.

By JOSH NEWTON
Staff Writer

TAHLEQUAH DAILY PRESS --
"A rising tide lifts all boats."

Former U.S. President John F. Kennedy used such an expression when referring to the tides of the American economy.

If that statement still holds true, residents in Cherokee County and around the nation are overwhelmingly ready to see the tides begin to rise.

U.S. Census estimates from 2007 show Cherokee County is one of the most impoverished counties in both Oklahoma and the nation. Leaders of various entities say they want to see that change - that it must change so everyone might have the basic needs, like food and shelter.

But how can a community attack poverty and turn the tables? Over the past few days, locals polled at random by the Daily Press have given myriad answers: give more tax breaks to low-income families; create more government jobs; cut salaries of government officials and spend more money on federal assistance programs; and find ways to send more students to college who might not otherwise afford it.

"I want to know my children can graduate high school and get a real, solid, rewarding education so they are able to make more money than me or their father have ever made," said CarolJean Perkins, who added that she, like most in her family, live below the poverty line.

She's not embarrassed about it, and believes she does her best. Perkins says she's raised her children to understand higher levels of education can help push them into a higher salary range in the job world. "It's scary for all of us in today's times," said Perkins. "We get by, but we sure don't got no room for leisurely things."

She has had a few sleepless nights worried about her kids' futures, but overall, she now feels confident they can make it in today's "unstable world."

U.S. Rep. Dan Boren, D-Okla., last year praised support of a continuing plan to increase minimum wage, saying an increase to $7.25 an hour in Oklahoma would mean an additional $4,400 per year for a minimum-wage worker's family. Boren also supported legislation that would aid workers who lost their jobs by providing up to 13 weeks of extended unemployment benefits.

"Hard-working Oklahomans who have lost their jobs need help supporting their families and making ends meet," Boren said in a press release. "We are beginning to see how the national economy, financial sectors, and housing market can be affected by national and international factors."

Other local leaders, including Sen. Jim Wilson and Rep. Mike Brown, have spent countless hours in Oklahoma City trying to get the state to focus on issues like poverty instead of "wedge issues" - for instance, immigration laws or laws targeted at making English the only language of the state, which are meant to upset the public.

Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chad Smith, in his "Declaration of Designed Purpose: A Hundred Year Plan," addresses issues of poverty.

"It is part of the vision for the next 100 years to achieve what we had 100 years ago: no poverty, every family having a home... ," Smith said.

Tom Lewis, founder and CEO of the local Project O Si Yo, says it's about helping neighbors and improving the quality of life for them.

"This needs to be the discussion point of every congregation, every Sunday school class, and every board with the leaders of their congregation in Cherokee County," said Lewis.

Lewis, like others, sternly believes it has to be the citizens who step forward to make a turn-around. "The writing on the wall says we can and will," said Lewis.

Experts say a number of theories could potentially draw America out of its dilemma, including the ability to make and market products, services and consultation, and employing neighbors to the maximum of their potential.

"This could be a roads program that is partially funded by local monies designed to put local people to work," said Lewis.

In theory, the workers shop at local businesses; those businesses shops at regional businesses; the regional businesses shop at national businesses; and in turn, national businesses employ American craftsmen and craftswomen.

On a grand scale, some argue the recent Census statistics do not paint an accurate picture of America's true poverty.

Dr. Amy K. Glasmeier, professor at the Penn State University Department of Geography and author of "An Atlas of Poverty in America: One Nation, Pulling Apart," says current statistics do not take into account recent months of economic turmoil.

"Underlying all of these statistics is the continuing pattern of uneven distribution in income, its distribution among our citizens, and the resulting lived experience of our children and the economically-vulnerable of our nation," Glasmeier said in an August 2008 article. "We are still a nation where large differences exist between members in our society and among geographic areas, both at a regional and a rural-urban scale."

As economists and all others interested and involved in the fight against poverty continue their work toward improvement, locals may find comfort in being able to find assistance or perhaps volunteer to help others.

Cherokee Nation offers dozens of programs to help community members in times of need. Merriman says those who may not qualify for one program should try for another, instead of assuming he or she will be denied for all programs.

"People can apply for housing services through any of our area Housing Services offices, such as rental assistance," said Norma Merriman, group leader in the tribe's Human Services department. "We have food distribution offices in all of our major communities, and you can apply for assistance at any location."

Those who have lost a job and are in a "true emergency situation" can stop by one of the tribe's Human Services locations to discuss options.

"If someone is unable to meet our guidelines, we can help them find other agencies that might be able to help them," said Merriman.

Even with a number of assistance options available in the county, experts know it still isn't enough to help each person who needs it. That's why social workers, organization leaders, church leaders and others are calling on the public to help make a difference. With a little help, families may find an opportunity to improve their lives, thereby lowering poverty statistics.

Merriman says it's easy to work with the Cherokee Nation, or other agencies. The tribe has a volunteer program through its Community Services Group; the local CARE Food Pantry is in need of money and food to help those who fall out of Cherokee Nation's food-distribution guidelines; and entities like Project O Si Yo, Help-In-Crisis and Hope House of Cherokee County offer chances for locals to step up and help.

"Any place locally where you can contribute your time, dollars, clothing or food are good places to start," said Merriman. "If you can open your heart and your home to provide someone you know a hot meal or even a place to stay for a few days, that is always welcomed."