Rural work of the Red Cross
An important new undertaking is the rural work of the Red Cross. This is not limited to health questions, though a nurse is the first person sent into a country. But also if possible another worker is sent to help the country people with their social problems, their amusements, and the building up of a spirit of neighborhood coöperation.
JANE ADDAMS
From a recent photograph
Jane Addams and the cause of the poor
226. Jane Addams. There was still another great and vital field of service waiting for a leader. This was the cause of a better chance in life for the very poor. A better understanding among all people, rich and poor, and a knowledge of the interests which all have in common are aiding in this. Education, reform of unjust working conditions, and social service—the help or relief of poor or unfortunate people—are all means of progress through which people like Jane Addams have worked.
In 1883 while traveling in Europe, Jane Addams, a daughter of wealthy and distinguished parents, was deeply touched by the terrible poverty and misery she saw everywhere around her. She herself had never known want or hunger. Indeed she had more wealth than she knew how to spend for things she herself needed or cared for.
Devotes herself to social service