Sesame Street Helps Families During Tough Economic Times

Al Roker, Deborah Roberts, Elmo and Grover are teaming up for a new prime-time special entitled "Families Stand Together: Feeling Secure in Tough Times." The new hour-long special is scheduled to air on September 9, 2009 at 8:00PM on PBS - check your local listings for details. This original program is designed to help families communicate during tough economic times.

In today's economic climate, approximately two out of three middle class families are at high risk of sustaining or losing their economic security. Moreover, increases in job loss and income cuts have made families struggle with basic costs like housing, medical care, transportation, food, clothing, and child care. Too often, parents are being forced to make difficult decisions that affect their children's well-being. In response to these recent changes in family economics, Sesame Workshop produced "Families Stand Together: Feeling Secure in Tough Times". The all-new special aims to help families with children, ages two to eight, experiencing difficult economic circumstances by offering strategies and tips that can lead to positive outcomes for their children’s physical and emotional well-being during this tough economic climate.

The special features Al Roker and Deborah Roberts alongside Sesame Street's Elmo, Chris, Grover, Elmo's family, and others. The special also features advice from financial expert Jean Chatzky and parenting and relationship expert Dr. Joshua Coleman.

"For nearly 40 years, Sesame Workshop and our beloved Sesame Street Muppets have addressed educational and community needs through the creative use of media. We have never shied away from delving into deep and complex issues and finding accessible and age appropriate ways to talk about these issues with children and families," said Gary E. Knell, President and CEO, Sesame Workshop.

Beyond the primetime special, Sesame Workshop will extend the initiative by providing additional resources online, in print and into local communities to help guide families during these tough times. Resources and materials will be available online at www.sesameworkshop.org/toughtimes beginning September 9, 2009 so that families everywhere can view the videos and download the information.