Jackson and Josephine counties continue to face significant challenges related to child poverty and food insecurity. Jackson County, with a population of 222,563, has 14% of children living in poverty and 13.8% of residents experiencing food insecurity. In neighboring Josephine County, where the population is 88,069, the situation is even more severe, with 20.7% of children living in poverty and 16% of the population facing food insecurity. These statistics, reported by The Ford Family Foundation, highlight the ongoing need for community support and resources across the region.
The 2026 Emerging Leader Award winners are raising $120,000 for these amazing kids and we need your help. Below are many different ways you can get involved. No contribution is too small!
Thank you for helping the children and families in our communities!
- $45 provides a hungry child and their family with 3 nutritious meals
- $135 provides a hungry child and their family with 3 days of nutritious meals
- $310 provides an unhoused family with shelter and support for a month
- $630 provides a hungry child and their family with 2 weeks of nutritious meals
- $1,350 provides a hungry child and their family with 1 month of nutritious meals
- $1,660 feeds and provides an unhoused family with shelter for a month
- $3,720 provides an unhoused family with shelter and support for a whole year
- $16,425 provides a hungry child and their family with 1 year of nutritious meals
- $50,000 will keep 100 children and their families housed for a year
2026 Emerging Leaders Cohort Project: A Future Built on Hope benefiting The Salvation Army!
Emerging Leaders event isn’t just an award ceremony—it’s a catalyst for change that merges professional development with community support.