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Every once in a while, we get to be part of something that changes lives.
With your support, Bridges Out of Poverty is doing that—for people in poverty, for partner agencies, for employers, for students.
Please consider a tax-deductible donation so we can continue this important work in 2011.
Donate through Paypal.
Donate through NPC.
Or mail a check: SJC Bridges, 117 N Lafayette, South Bend, IN 46601.
GETTING AHEAD in a Just Gettin’ By World is a 45 hour curriculum that provides people in poverty access to the same information found in Bridges Out of Poverty provided for professionals and others in the community working to end poverty.
It is rigorous work done in a safe learning environment where adults investigate their own experience of poverty, as well as explore issues in the community that impact poverty − banking, housing, and jobs − providing critical information to take action to end poverty. Investigators also make an assessment of their own resources and how to build those resources as part of their move to self-sufficiency.
Getting Ahead puts the concepts, tools, and relationships in the hands of people in poverty to make a difference in their own lives and in the life of our community. It happens through 12 partner agencies like St. Margaret’s House, Ivy Tech Community College and Hope Ministries, where more than 300 people have graduated. We have new partners joining us in 2011, including 21st Century Scholars, Weed and Seed and others.
Getting Ahead and other Bridges programs are making a difference. With your support, we can help more people get ahead and work to end poverty together.
Here are some of the voices:
I’m on the bridge out of poverty… I’m not there yet, but I’ve come a long way. Getting Ahead helped me get started, and Bridges keeps me focused and moving ahead. And I love that I get to give back too.
Kristina Closson, Getting Ahead graduate and Bridges Out of Poverty Board Member
I still co-facilitate the 45 hour Getting Ahead seminar every fall. It is a tremendous demand on my time. Yet, I find it is one of the most worthwhile things that I do.
Kathy Schneider, Executive Director St. Margaret’s House
Once I attended the Bridges Out of Poverty workshop, I had my “aha moment” and gained valuable insights into why our best efforts were often not enough.”
Jacqueline Barton, CEO of Specialized Staffing Solutions
I didn’t know when I started my position in January that Getting Ahead would be part of my responsibilities, but it has come to be some of my favorite work as Associate Vice Chancellor…
I wanted to be a catalyst to help working class women, especially single mothers, change their lives. Being a part of Getting Ahead has allowed me to realize that goal in a new way.
Angela Huettl, Associate Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs, Ivy Tech Elkhart campus
Bridges has become much more than theory for our students; it is a powerful and practical tool they can immediately put to use in practice…it serves as the basis for the teaching and learning of all social issues, and reinforcing a value system that is based upon the dignity of all individuals, nonjudgmentalism, and empowerment.
Joann Phillips, Chair of Ivy Tech’ Community College’s Human Services Program
Please consider a tax-deductible donation so we can continue this important work in 2011.
Thank you!