Services We Offer
POVERTY DISRUPTION PROGRAMS
Poverty disruption is a top priority in fulfilling our mission. We recognize the complexities of poverty, both for those trapped in it and for the community trying to come to terms with its causes and consequences. Our approach to poverty disruption is three-fold: Bridge to Hope Training for community leaders, Getting Ahead Classes to help people transition from poverty to sustainability, and programs that are currently in development to facilitate and strengthen workforce stability and tenant education. Employee Resource Advocate Programs that collaborate with local employers to strengthen workforce stability.
- Getting Ahead Poverty Disruption Classes
- Bridge to Hope Community Awareness Workshop Series (Click here to register)
- Poverty Disruption Programs in Development
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 our Starla Bleifus, our Getting Ahead Coordinator at sbleifus@ccmchs.org or call 501-318-1153 x303 for more information.
BRIDGE TO HOPE
BRIDGE TO HOPE COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS
A recent Community Health Needs Assessment conducted by Levi Hospital has identified poverty as the number one health need issue in our community. In addressing this priority, CCMC has been recognized as an effective community organization because of our programs that disrupt poverty. The top strategy identified in this study is to educate the community about the impact of poverty and how it affects the overall health of the community (https://www.levihospital.com/community-health)
Through our Bridge to Hope training workshops, various sectors of our community are engaged to educate, raise awareness, and develop actionable strategies to implement greater stability for all. These workshops can be configured to accommodate the focus and interest of various groups, such a business, congregation, school, association, or club.
Workshops range in duration from a few hours for a quick overview, to half-day or a full one or two days. Bridge to Hope training workshops examine the complex issues of poverty and how it is perpetuated, explore the barriers and challenges faced by those in poverty, and then present resources and services available so that participants leave with an idea of what they, as individuals or organizations, can do to disrupt poverty.
Topics discussed in the workshop include:
- Understanding poverty
- Challenges and barriers faced by those in poverty
- Take action
- Working together as a community to disrupt poverty
Bridge to Hope alumni also receive regular updates and information that will equip them to continue the work of improving our community and making it more sustainable. For more information about Bridge to Hope workshops, contact Sallie Culbreth, sculbreth@ccmchs.org or call 501-318-1153 x 222.