Getting Ahead Groups Forming Online

You are not alone. Many Getting Ahead group members have said they were surprised to learn they were not the only people struggling. The friendships and insights they gained from joining the Getting Ahead group are truly life changing, they say.

“The conversations were fantastic,” said Head Start Policy Council President Susan West, who recently completed the program. “And it’s just conversation. You’re learning and you don’t even realize you’re learning.”

Getting Ahead is an empowering program in which participants find strengths, learn skills to become financially secure and work toward personal goals. The program helps individuals living in poverty build their resources for a more prosperous life for themselves, their families and their communities.

Those participating in groups as COVID-19 struck called Getting Ahead “essential” to their lives and eagerly switched to the online platform Zoom as soon as possible.

“We have always used a ‘kitchen table’ style setting,” Client Services Coordinator and Getting Ahead Facilitator Amy Steele said. “Now, we are literally bringing the program to your kitchen table.”

Getting Ahead groups meet by Zoom regularly for eight weeks and discuss a wide variety of items from Ruby Payne and Phil DeVol’s book Getting Ahead in a Just-Gettin-By World.

Books and materials are free to participants. Discussions include finances, planning for changes, time management, how to negotiate and much more.

A Facebook group specifically for participants and graduates is also active.

The program is designed to be individualized and confidence building, while examining the many factors that hold people back, not just money.

Groups are forming now and will continue to form. Morning, afternoon and evening times are available. Meetings are scheduled around group members’ needs.

If you have questions or are ready to sign up, contact Steele at 440- 204-3121 or asteele@lccaa.net.