What is Getting Ahead?
What is Getting Ahead?
The curriculum was written for people in poverty. It is a program developed by Phil DeVol to help people from poverty backgrounds create their own plan towards a stable, secure life.
What will I learn?
Participants will:
Research the causes of poverty;
Examine the stages of change;
Learn the hidden rules of economic class;
Explore resources that are needed for a high quality of life;
Investigate how to develop resources in their community.
Each participant becomes an investigator of his/her experience and then creates a plan with specific steps to reach their goals.
What can I expect?
Participants will:
(1) Co-investigate in a safe environment weekly with others experiencing poverty;
(2) Enjoy power that comes from solving problems, controlling their own lives, and make plans for stability;
(3) Receive materials, a workbook and supplies.
Each group is led by a trained facilitator who will help participants develop their plan and learn new strategies to help implement their plan.
How long is the program?
The Getting Ahead Program is a 15-week course with weekly sessions of 2 to 2.5 hours per week. Participants must be willing and able to commit to attending all 15 sessions.
Who can participate?
• Individuals living in generational or situational poverty who want to get ahead.
• Total household must be 125% or less of the current federal poverty income guidelines.
• Must have a high school diploma or G.E.D. or currently enrolled in a G.E.D. class.
In what counties is the GA program offered?
The GA program is currently provided in Calhoun/Liberty, Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon and Wakulla Counties.
How do I sign up?
Applications are available by contacting Capital Area Community Action Agency, Inc. at the address listed below.
What happens after I graduate from Getting Ahead?
(1) You will have a greater understanding of yourself, your community and the resources needed to work on your plan;
(2) You will become a member of a large organization committed to ending poverty in our lifetime;
(3) You can stay connected through “graduate” meetings;
(4) You can join decision making groups (boards and committees) and feel comfortable in these roles;
(5) You will be eligible to apply for the Capital Area Community Action Agency’s Family Self Sufficiency Program.
FACILITATOR MATERIALS
Click here for materials to help you facilitate Getting Ahead.
