To provide general operating support for this organization, which conducts research, community planning and organizing to help improve the lives of Bridgeport’s 37,000 children and their families, a third of whom live below the federal poverty level. BCAC, a coalition of 50 area organizations, facilitates a Community Task Force Collaborative to address the issues of children’s health, education and family economic empowerment, as well as basic family needs. Current focus areas include violence as a public health issue, school climate and discipline, justice reform, and health disparities. A Public Policy Task Force takes issues raised by the community and advocates policy changes at the local, state and national level. BCAC annually publishes a widely respected and utilized report, State of the Child in Bridgeport, that provides data and trends on youth issues and documents areas for improvement.