Focusing on the issues facing our women

The Key to Economic Independence

My readers know that the Eleanor Foundation seeks to help female heads-of-households with in­comes between $10,000 and $40,000. But you may not know how the Foundation arrived at the $40,000 figure.

Read more at the TheEleanorBlog.

Recent Publications


Changing Conditions in a Changing World The Situation of Working Female Heads-of-Households in the Chicago Region: Issues, Insights, Implications

Malcolm Bush, Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago

Fall 2010
This report measures and compares the changing demographics and situation of working female heads-of-households from 2000 to 2008 in the eight-county Chicago region who earn between $10,000 and $50,000 per year. Primary data was derived from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2000 U.S. Census and its American Community Surveys through 2008. It also identifies the key public policy implications suggested by the reported changes and trends.

Research Report Summary:
Changing Conditions in a Changing World—The Situation of Working Female Heads-of-Households in the Chicago Region: Issues, Insights, Implications








Valuing Working Mothers: The Future of Our Communities

Gary Orfield, Civil Rights Project at University of California, Los Angeles and Malcolm Bush, Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago

Spring 2009
Through a 10-city comparative demographic study and public policy review, this national research project uncovers the impact that long-standing trends, attitudes and federal policies have had on working mothers. It provides a detailed demographic analysis and public policy implications that impact their economic futures.

Research Summary:
The State of Single Working Mothers
in America and in the Chicago Region

National Report:
The Future Depends Upon Single Moms:
A Policy Analysis including Top 10 Metropolitan Area Data
The Civil Rights Project at UCLA

Download Dr. Gary Orfield's May 13th powerpoint presentation

Chicago Region Report:
The Situation of Working, Lower-Income Single Working Mothers: Changes, Challenges and Prospects
Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago

Download Dr. Malcolm Bush's May 13th powerpoint presentation








Understanding the Needs of Lower-Income Working Women in Chicago

Janet Smith and Asma Ali, University of Illinois at Chicago

Fall 2005
This research project offers a comprehensive, demographic snapshot of working class women who are heads of households in Chicago, based on U.S. Census data. Using original focus groups, the report also features eight distinct profiles of working women, detailing their situations and needs. Download Understanding the Needs of Lower-Income Working Women in Chicago.

Learn Kamilyn's Story


Unemployed and living in a shelter with her three children, Kamilyn asked for help. She found it at The Cara Program, an Eleanor Network partner. Now, Kamilyn works full-time, raises her family in a four-bedroom apartment, and goes to college. "You have to set an example for your kids. You're their Spiderman and their Superman. So if they see you defeated, they'll think they can't do anything themselves."

Read more of Kamilyn's story