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Getting Ahead Class Builds Bridges

The Getting Ahead task force, was excited to see the second Getting Ahead class happen this spring. This task force, from within the Bridges Out of Poverty community group, had representation from Mid-Cap, Newton Public Library, SRS of Kansas, and Peace Connections. Getting Ahead classes are designed to assist those from poverty in learning middle class “hidden rules” and how to improve their situations. Employees sent by several area businesses attended, as well as, persons from the community-at-large. The class was held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, April 3 – May 22 and was taught by Peace Connections board member Cookie Wiebe and Mid-Cap community services coordinator, Pam Schrag. Pam's reflections of the class follow:

The class began with seven anxious students and two teachers unsure of the journey ahead. There was a great deal of information to investigate, share and learn in the eight weeks to come, but everyone was up for the challenge. Good discussion and lots of questions helped us learn what poverty is all about and is like for each one in our day to day experiences. It was a joy to see the changes in the students as they began to share their life experiences in the context of the material we were studying. One of the students gave a deep sigh at the end of class one night and said, ”It is good to know it isn’t all my fault...I’m beginning to see why I have made some of the choices I have made.”

Perhaps the best gift the class gave to the students was a sense of understanding “the right now.” The other gift was giving them the courage to think about where they want to be. In the eight weeks we met, understanding and courage became the foundation for so much more. By the end of our time the students had developed goals, as well as, steps to reach those goals. The class ended with six students who are meeting bi-monthly to check in and support each other. This follow-up will continue to build bridges for more positive growth.

One of the students said, “I knew I had it all in me, but it didn’t make sense - there was not organization...now I see the way to organize.” It takes only a few steps to change direction, but lots of support for the journey. We have built the bridges that allow for the journey.

We received so much support financially and spiritually; “thank you” doesn’t convey how greatly it was appreciated. We look forward to the next class which will begin in September.

We are grateful to these community employers, donors, and planners for their support of the Getting Ahead class:

Citizens State Bank

Communities in Schools of Harvey County

Full Vision

Harvey County United Way

Koerner Heights Church

Schowalter Villa

Walter & Edna Gaede Memorial Fund

First Bank