GETTING AHEAD POVERTY DISRUPTION CLASSES

Throughout the year and at various locations across our community, Getting Ahead classes are offered to help people investigate why they are stuck in poverty and then develop plans to create more stable futures for themselves and their families. There are 14 weekly classes that include a meal and other incentives for each session that participants attend. 

In Getting Ahead, poverty is measured by the extent to which an individual goes without resources. Resources are not measured exclusively by finances. Getting Ahead participants examine eleven resources: financial, emotional, mental, language, social capital, health, spiritual, integrity and trust, motivation and persistence, relationships and role models, and knowledge of the hidden rules of various socio/economic groups. 

At the conclusion of each class semester, there is a graduation ceremony to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of each graduate. Once a person graduates from Getting Ahead, we follow up to help graduates stay on track, provide encouragement, fellowship, and share information about community resources or opportunities with them.