1. Marinette’s “Getting Ahead” (GA) by St Vincent de Paul, United Way & Goodwill  “Getting Ahead” helps Investigators create the motivation and the personal power to build a plan for change & improvement  The personal plans built in GA become the focal point for an ongoing support following graduation.

2. The History Of Bridges Work Copyright 2012 by DeVol & Associates, LLC. All rights reserved. www.gettingaheadnetwork.com In the last 4-5 years Marinette community held a Poverty Summit which used the Bridges constructs, as well a Poverty Simulation.

3. Appendix 1 (continued) What happens in Getting Ahead?  A group of 6–12 meet for a kitchen-table learning experience.  Use a model for learning structure.  16-20 sessions, held once or twice a week.  Each session takes about three hours.  Investigators receive Fuel Only cards for their work.  Community support of meals, gas, babysitter, etc. Copyright 2012 by DeVol & Associates, LLC. All rights reserved. www.gettingaheadnetwork.com

4. Getting Ahead is different because:  Investigators are recognized as a problem solver.  Investigators ideas and information are needed.  No one decides anything for the investigators or tells them what to do.  No one will do for the investigators what they can do for themselves.  No one will “teach”; Investigators do the learning. Appendix 1 (continued) Copyright 2012 by DeVol & Associates, LLC. All rights reserved. www.gettingaheadnetwork.com

5. Investigators get to…  explore and analyze the themes of their own lives;  assess their resources;  make their own arguments for change  build their own future stories;  make their own choices;  enjoy the power that comes from solving problems and controlling their own life;  make concrete plans to economic stability and resources;  become skillful at using the hidden rules of class to build resources and navigate systems;  and prepare themselves to take a seat at the decision making tables in their community. Copyright 2012 by DeVol & Associates, LLC. All rights reserved. www.gettingaheadnetwork.com

6.  Empowerment! Just do it! Most helpful!  MM’s put things in perspective, opened my eyes to reality and what needs to be done  Put resources together so that we can START the action!  All helpful in one way or another  Easy to Understand  Interactions, discussions and class participation were the most helpful to me.  Learned step by step planning and how to use our resources – looked at all options!  All was very useful! Marinette Investigators

7. Marinette Outcome Results  Of the 10 graduates, all created a plan of action  1 moved to where she had employment  1 finished college and got a job as a LPN - continuing  2 began college – husband and wife; the wife rec’d custody of her child due to positive growth in her life  2 got a job and 1 of them received her GED a month after graduation  1 is finishing her 2 year degree – secured child care  1 couple working w/Greenpath to be debt free in 3 yrs  1 couple had a child and secured assistance for child

8. END POVERTY THROUGH SYSTEMIC CHANGE OUR VISION Transforming Lives...Ending poverty through systemic change …. One Person One Neighborhood One Community at a time