Learn about the three pillars of the BridgesICT model:
BRIDGES OUT OF POVERTY, GETTING AHEAD, & STAYING AHEAD
Bridges out of poverty
A one-day workshop for resourced individuals who are interested in helping address poverty in Wichita.
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Bridges Out of Poverty workshops, along with sector-specific workshops and certified trainings, educate the entire community on the complexities of poverty and equip people with ways to address and reduce it.
The general workshop is based on the book Bridges Out of Poverty, by Payne, DeVol, and Dreussi-Smith.
getting ahead
Getting Ahead in a Just-Gettin'-By World classes empower under-resourced individuals who are interested in "getting ahead" instead of just "getting by."
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This 16-week course brings together a group of up to 15 adults every week who, with the assistance of facilitators, investigate and address barriers that keep them from getting ahead. Participants create their own plan and build resources, tools, and skills needed for stability. Each week, participants receive a free family-style meal, free childcare and a weekly stipend of $25
as they investigate ways to address barriers and move forward.​
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These workshops use the workbook Getting Ahead in a Just-Gettin'-by World. This program has been used in many communities to transform lives.
staying ahead
Staying Ahead is a set of resources and opportunities designed in Wichita by Wichitans to connect Getting Ahead graduates with resources, classes, navigators, and other means to help them achieve their future story and stabilize their lives. It promotes a continued connection among graduates and the BridgesICT initiative or other resources that benefit those who are actively seeking and moving toward stability.
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Getting Ahead graduates are given access to the Thrive Lights self-assessment tool, Empowerment Navigators to walk alongside them as they map our their future story, and Staying Ahead classes and opportunities to utilize local resources in their path to stability.
This program surrounds Getting Ahead graduates with options and opportunities right in our community for continued movement forward.