The Work of Opportunity
Updates
Sep 29, 2025
As the US approaches its 250th anniversary, we are reflecting on America’s founding ideals—and asking whether the promise of opportunity still holds true today.
Featured
Media
Jan 29, 2021
If You’ve Ever Wanted to Be a Foster Parent, ‘Now Is the Time to Get Involved’
In an article for The New York Times, Rita Soronen, president and CEO of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, urges others to support youth in the foster care system, who are especially vulnerable amid the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.
Media
Jan 26, 2021
How the pandemic is propelling demand for short-term college programs
Gerald Chertavian, CEO of Year Up, shares with PBS NewsHour how the organization's 1-year intensive career training program is working to close the opportunity divide and ensure an equitable COVID-19 recovery.
Media
Jan 25, 2021
New Online Pre-School Helps Prepare Kids for School at No Cost
A representative from Waterford.org speaks with a local Ohio news station about how the organization's UPSTART program is providing access to quality pre-K education for families in the state.
Media
Jan 23, 2021
United Way 211 Helpline handles surge in calls
Yahoo! News shares how United Way's 211 Helpline is assisting households in Central Texas amid the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.
Media
Jan 8, 2021
Foster Care Was Always Tough. Covid-19 Made It Tougher.
Rita Soronon of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption shares with The New York Times the importance of supporting youth who are aging out of the foster care system, especially amid the ongoing pandemic and economic crisis.
Media
Dec 21, 2020
Agency celebrates adoption milestone with 500 children placed into ‘forever homes’
Yahoo! News highlights the work of Wendy’s Wonderful Kids, which has helped 500 children in Kentucky’s foster care system find permanent homes since 2006.
Media
Dec 17, 2020
Covid job losses devastate domestic workers, who are largely unseen
NBC News covers the efforts by National Domestic Workers Alliance to support nannies, house cleaners, and home care workers impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.
Media
Dec 17, 2020
Treating trauma early to help children cope down the line
In a special report on childhood trauma, PBS NewsHour uplifts HealthySteps as a model of trauma prevention for families with young children.
Media
Dec 7, 2020
Bill and Melinda Gates Welcome the Philanthropists of the Future
In a letter published in Barron’s, Bill and Melinda Gates site their partnership with Blue Meridian as an example of how “philanthropy can be a team sport.”
Media
Dec 7, 2020
Money Bail System Exacerbates Inequalities for Many
A North Carolina news outlet shares the story of one formerly incarcerated man who is helping others in his community as part of The Bail Project.