America's Silent Enemy Overcoming generational poverty is more than offering those living in the poverty crisis food or even shelter or money. It requires a paradigm shift in the thinking of society as a whole. For many, it is not possible to escape the grip of poverty with society's current support system. America needs, once again, welfare reform. Such a reform would help individuals receive a raised hand and not a handout; assisting them in their efforts to become self-sufficient and reducing the number of individuals or families dependent on government assistance programs. Generational poverty is a continuous cycle of poverty in which two or more generations of families experience limited resources. Generational poverty is described as having its own culture, with hidden rules and belief systems. These individuals are mired in poverty and are unable to rise above the federal poverty line. The U.S. Census Bureau lists the poverty level for a family of four as an “annual income of $23,050 [or less].” Poverty, however, does not only affect areas of financial need. Generational poverty encompasses an individual's lack of resources in several areas including emotional, physical and mental. Relationships, positive role models, and support systems are also often lacking. Without the proper support system these individuals would not have the emotional resources. Positive emotional responses dictate behavior and ultimately determine success. Support systems also offer skills that are generally not passed down from generation to generation in poverty. Many individuals will need not only temporary relief from financial constraints, but also coping skills, information and know-how and... middle of paper... ss Barriers. Dr. Donna Beegle. Web November 25, 2013. Ching, Jacqualine. “The myth of poverty”. Tolerance.com.Teaching Tolerance, Spring 2012.41. Network. November 17, 2013.Jensen, Eric. “How Poverty Affects Classroom Engagement.” ASCD Conference on Educational Leadership 70.8 (2013): 24-30. Print.Santiago, Catherine DeCarlo, et al. “Predictors of Stress Responses Among Families Facing Poverty-Related Stress.” Anxiety, Stress and Coping 25.3 (2012): 239-258. Premier of academic research. Network. November 25, 2013. United States. Census Bureau. 2012 Poverty Guidelines for the 48 Contiguous States and the District of Columbia. United States. Census Bureau. 2012. Network. November 18, 2013Williams, Mitchell R., and Kevin Pennington. “Viewpoint: Community Colleges Must Take a Central Role in Eradicating Generational Poverty.” CCWeek.com.Community College WeeklyFebruary 9, 2009. Web. November 17. 2013.