Front and Center is a groundbreaking series which aims to put front and center the voices of Black women who are affected most by the often-abstract policies currently debated at the national level. The series highlights the success of Springboard to Opportunities’ Magnolia Mother’s Trust program, which this year will give $1,000 per month for 12 months to 100 families headed by Black women living in federally subsidized housing.

“Growing up the way I did, which was hard, really shaped the way I am—valuing education, working hard. I just want my kids to have a better life than my sister and I did. Sometimes, when I was younger, I had this feeling like I was living in an abandoned house; I don’t ever want them to feel that neglect.”