Dear Lord be good to me. The sea is so wide and my boat is so small

The Children's Defense Fund Leave No Child Behind^® mission is to ensure every child a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities. Full Mission Statement »

Invest in Texas children by supporting the 2012 CDF-TX Beat the Odds^® awards in Houston. Join us! May 3, 2012. Read more >>
This month, join us in learning and sharing true stories about how Medicaid, CHIP, and national health reform help Texas kids get the health care they need to grow and thrive. Read more »
New data reveals that more than 1.75 million - or one in four - children in Texas lives in poverty. Children have suffered more than any other age group during this recession and slow recovery. Learn more »
Are you surprised to learn that a child in Texas is six times as likely to be uninsured as a child in Massachusetts? See CDF's new report on key child indicators and take action.

Creating Change: National Conference

SAVE THE DATE: The Children’s Defense Fund National Conference,
July 22-25, 2012, Cincinnati, Ohio.

Today, 16.4 million children in the United States live in poverty. Nearly one in four children under the age of five is poor. Together we can and must do better. Join the Children’s Defense Fund as we gather leading experts to present the latest research and best practices to close the gap between what we know works for children and what we do in practice. This one-of-a-kind conference will connect communities of child advocates, young leaders, faith leaders, policymakers, service providers and others to create real change for children at the state, local, and federal levels in 2012 and beyond. Sign-up today to receive information and help us rescue the dream for all of America’s children. Stay connected »

CDF-TX News

Klein Oak senior triumphs over abuse and depression
May 15, 2012, YourHoustonNews.com powered by Houston Community Newspapers

Children’s Defense Fund event honors students
May 13, 2012, Houston Chronicle

Beat the Odds luncheon brings tears
May 9, 2012, Houston Chronicle

New group touts Medicaid as 'indispensible'
May 8, 2012, Dallas Morning News

Education advocates rally for disadvantaged kids at Children's Defense Fund luncheon
May 7, 2012, Houston CultureMap

About CDF

Learn more about CDF, our history and our Leave No Child Behind® mission.

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Erica Limón: CDF-California Beat the Odds^® Honoree

Erica overcame abuse and homelessness and will soon graduate high school, start boot camp with the Marines in June, and plans to begin college in a year or two. If Harvard's lucky, they might get her.
More profiles of CDF’s Young Adult Leaders »