America's Silent Enemy Overcoming generational poverty is about more than providing those living in the poverty crisis with food or even housing or money. This requires a paradigm shift in thinking for society as a whole. For many, it is not possible to escape the grip of poverty with society's current support system. America once again needs welfare reform. Such a reform would help individuals receive a helping hand and not a handout; helping them in their efforts to become self-sufficient and reduces the number of individuals or families who rely on government assistance programs. Generational poverty is an ongoing cycle of poverty in which two or more generations of families experience limited resources. Generational poverty is described as having its own culture, with hidden rules and belief systems. These people are mired in poverty and unable to rise above the federal poverty line. The United States Census Bureau states that the poverty level for a family of four is an "annual income of $23,050 [or less]." However, poverty does not only affect areas of financial need. Generational poverty includes an individual's lack of resources in several areas, including emotional, physical, and mental. There is also often a lack of relationships, positive role models and support systems. Without a proper support system, these people would not have the emotional resources needed. Positive emotional responses drive behavior and ultimately determine success. Support systems also provide skills that are not typically passed down through generations in poverty. Many people will not only need temporary relief from financial constraints, but they will also need coping skills, information and know-how, as well as obstacles. Dr. Donna Beegle. Web November 25, 2013. Ching, Jacqualine. “The myth of poverty”. Tolerance.com.Teaching Tolerance, Spring 2012.41. Internet. November 17, 2013. Jensen, Eric. “How Poverty Affects Classroom Engagement.” ASCD Conference on Educational Leadership 70.8 (2013): 24-30. Print.Santiago, Catherine DeCarlo, et al. “Predictors of stress responses among families experiencing poverty-related stress.” Anxiety, Stress and Coping 25.3 (2012): 239-258. Premier Academic Research. Internet. November 25, 2013. United States. Census Bureau. 2012 Poverty Guidelines for the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia. UNITED STATES. Census Bureau. 2012. Internet. November 18, 2013 Williams, Mitchell R. and Kevin Pennington. “Viewpoint: Community colleges must play a central role in eradicating generational poverty. » CCWeek.com.Community College WeeklyFebruary 9, 2009. Web. November 17. 2013.