Program Overview
A mentoring program combined with Bridges Out of Poverty’s well-established “Getting Ahead in a Just Gettin’ by World”  workshop.  A small group of 8-12 “investigators” with three facilitators examine their experience and resources and those of their community and develop personal plans to move to greater self-sufficiency over 17 weekly sessions.  Graduates are assigned mentors, who serve as a long-term friend and connector to community resources, adding to the graduates’ social capital.

Community Collaboration
The program is sponsored by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul with community participation and support.  Individuals from area churches and social service organizations have attended Bridges Out of Poverty education workshops.  Participation can take multiple forms:

• Serve as mentors for Getting Ahead graduates

• Serve as an ad-hoc skill coach to graduates

• Refer candidates to the program

• Provide program funding

• Serve as Getting Ahead class Facilitators

• Provide meals for the weekly Getting Ahead sessions

• Offer resource-building programs to graduates

• Participate in program steering committee and working teams 

Funding
Funding is by a generous donor, community organizations, and area churches.