This is the second book that Dr. Swarts has written about poverty in America. His first book, Follow Me: My Story About Poverty in America, 1960-2021, traces the history of poverty from the John Kennedy administration (1960) to the Joe Biden administration (2000). The purpose of Follow Me is to stress that double-digit poverty has not decreased in more than sixty years.
Together Again describes the plight of teens and young adults living in poverty. Their unfortunate and often unavoidable life alternatives lead to drug addiction, alcoholism, prostitution, homelessness, and suicide. This book is an effort to stress the need for targeted support and resources for America's teens and young adults.
The alarming and comprehensive statistics presented indicate that the number and percentage of this population has increased proportionally in all states, cities, and towns across America for the past sixty years.
Federal, state, and local governments have devoted billions of dollars since the 80's for safety net programs like food stamps, infant and children care, temporary assistance for needy families, Medicaid and children's health. The programs have helped millions, yet there is still a tremendous need to support and resources for the teen and young adult population who live in poverty.
