Prince Edward Learning Centre is seeking ten residents eager to break the chains of poverty.

“Getting Ahead” is a 16-module program by Bridges Out of Poverty, a model for viewing poverty through the lens of class.

A step-by-step journey of self, system, and supports discovery, it equips participants with tools to move from just getting by in a getting-ahead world.  The program  helps participants trace historical pathology and focuses on goals and strategies for building a whole new life. It also helps students develop relationships with people who will support them along the way. 

The program requires a significant commitment from participants — and has proven successful across Canada.

Suzie Johnson-Smith, one of Canada’s foremost poverty-reduction and community wellbeing coaches, was in Prince Edward County in November. She spoke with nearly 150 volunteers, board members, members of social service and non-profit organizations, municipal staff, councillors and other critical decision-makers. 

She explained that those living in poverty rely on commercial relationships that are largely predatory. A key poverty mindset is the “tyranny of the moment.” 

A reactive mode becomes a trap.

“People who are struggling in poverty often have difficulty planning because they’re in this reactive tyranny of the moment, trying to survive,” she said.

Poverty destabilizes entire communities.

PELC Program Coordinator Jennifer Hunter is looking for 10 people living in poverty who want to become more self-sufficient and resilient.

“Participants will share a desire to change their direction and provide a better future for themselves and their families,” Ms. Hunter said. 

“We know when people are empowered to be more self-sufficient, our entire community grows stronger. We believe that by working together, we can support individuals in our community to break the cycle of poverty.”

Program Goals include: Building participants’ strengths as they investigate “yesterday’s story” —  and help creating  a “future story” of stability and hope; empowering individuals to become self-sufficient and resilient; and to empower people to find and use resources to overcome the barriers keeping them from success.

Getting Ahead runs Tuesdays and Thursdays from April 28 to June 18 from 12-3 p.m. at Prince Edward Learning Centre. Lunch is provided and gift cards are handed out for each full class completed.  

PELC hosts an information session April 7 at 11am.