“Out of poverty, but how?”
“Out of poverty, but how? They try … and keep trying in Bridges program.”
This was the headline on the December 3rd front-page article on our organization in the South Bend Tribune (SBT). Indeed, how do we build the bridge out of poverty?
A December 16th SBT editorial about SJC Bridges went on to say: It’s unfortunate that discussions about eliminating poverty too often offer pat answers that ignore the vastness of a problem that cycles through generation after generation. Easy fixes ignore the culture of poverty and fail to understand the awful depths of it, the enormity of getting out of it.
SJC Bridges is going beyond “pat answers and easy fixes” to find ways to break the cycle of generational poverty. One thing we have learned from our three exciting years of engaging in this work is that we find answers together. In 2011 we have expanded to more than 60 partners from across the community.
When Phil DeVol, author of the Bridges material, was here in November, he asked the question, “Can we have 
communities where everyone lives well?” We believe that we can find our way to “yes.” (In the photo Phil, on the right, talks with Graduate Howard Anderson.)
The SBT editorial on December 16 went on say:
The nonprofit Bridges clearly isn’t just about giving a person a job: It’s about helping people on the journey to self-sufficiency, with all the expectations and responsibilities that entails. So far, in a few years, a number of area residents have connected with Bridges, including more than 88 graduates of its financial management class and more than 400 graduates of its Getting Ahead class.
That’s an exciting start for the people who have been affected and for the community that will be strengthened, too.
At a time of shrinking resources, increased vulnerability for families and greater fear among the middle class, we need approaches that will strengthen our sense of community and create effective strategies for building a wide, strong and enduring bridge out of poverty. We can do this together.
As you consider worthy organizations to donate to this year, please consider SJC Bridges.
We thank you for your support in 2011. We look forward to more good work together in 2012.
