ACCE 2012 Convention Blue Ribbon Panel Strive2Thrive Albany, GA’s Vision to Empower Families Presented by: Ausha Jackson, Program Director

Albany, GA 4 th Poorest MSA in the Nation - Forbes Magazine

Albany, GA 4 th Poorest MSA in the Nation - Forbes Magazine

Albany, GA STATISTICS Teen Pregnancy Rate – 6 th highest in the state Median Household Income - $34,002 Unemployment Rate – 10.8% High School Dropout Rate – 44% Free/Reduced Lunch – 85.5% Food Stamp Recipients – 24.9%

Albany, GA The cost to Georgia taxpayers is over $465 Million

Albany, GA Who Was Responsible for Addressing Poverty in Albany? There were well over 600 organizations in Albany-Dougherty County that provide resources to people in poverty…

Albany, GA Develop a program with the sole focus of ERADICATING poverty

Albany, GA CIRCLES™ CAMPAIGN Move the Mountain Launched Circles™ in Communities 24 States Mission: To empower people from every economic class to solve poverty in their communities through individual transformation and community change.

Enters…

Strive2Thrive Getting Ahead In a Just Getting By World Circle Leaders

Strive2Thrive Bridges Out of Poverty Training Allies

Strive2Thrive Circles™ Circle Leaders + Allies = Circle

Strive2Thrive “Magnificent Me” Youth Program

Strive2Thrive Weekly Community Meetings

Strive2Thrive Big View Meetings

Strive2Thrive RESULTS Since 2010, 41 families have enrolled in Strive2Thrive, and… 37 families successfully completed Getting Ahead (90% success rate!) Increase in Income – – 11% after 6 months in Circles – 21% after 12 months in Circles – 74% after 18 months in Circles

Strive2Thrive RESULTS (cont’d) Increase in Educational Enrollment – 25% after 6 months – 64 % after 12 months – 86% after 19 months Increase in Overall Assets - 65% Decrease in Overall Debts – 27% Increase in Reliable Transportation – 42% Decrease in Overall Household Use of Public Funds – 12%

Strive2Thrive RESULTS (cont’d) 77 Allies have been matched with families 400+ people have volunteered at S2T weekly meetings 20+ partner organizations As of January 1, 2012 S2T is a Regional Training Center for MTM

Strive2Thrive I Am Only One… But I AM One!

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