GETTING AHEAD POVERTY DISRUPTION CLASSES
GETTING AHEAD 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.
HOW TO BECOME INVOLVED IN GETTING AHEAD
Join a Getting Ahead Class
If you are tired of struggling to make ends meet, feel like the system is setting you up to fail, and ready to get ahead instead of just getting by, then participating in Getting Ahead classes may be right for you. The first step is to contact our Starla Bleifus, our Getting Ahead Coordinator (sbleifus@ccmchs.org or call 501-318-1153 x303) and complete an application. Click here to download a Getting Ahead English application or click here to download a Getting Ahead Spanish application. Once the application is received, you will meet with our Getting Ahead staff, learn more about upcoming class schedules, and determine how to proceed.
Start a Getting Ahead Program
If you are interested in starting Getting Ahead in your church or community organization, you will need to go through training and a certification process. Contact Starla Bleifus, our Getting Ahead Coordinator at sbleifus@ccmchs.org or call 501-318-1153 x303 for more information.
