Bridges Out of Poverty
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Resources Beyond Money
Emotional, mental, spiritual, physical, support systems, relationships/role models, knowledge of hidden rules. The more resources a person has, the more resilient and successful they can be.
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Language and Story Structure
Casual register vs. formal register. People in poverty may use episodic, circular storytelling; understanding this helps communication.
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Support vs. Rescue
Emphasizes building individual capacity, not creating dependency. Avoiding savior mindsets in social work and education.
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Bridges Constructs
Getting Ahead in a Just-Gettin’-By World – a companion workshop curriculum to help individuals analyze their own lives and move forward.
Community Sustainability Model – building bridges among all classes for lasting systemic change.
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Health and Human Services
Trauma-informed care through a poverty lens. Working respectfully with clients from different backgrounds.
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Workplace & Economic Development
Helping employers support low-income employees. Career building for economically disadvantaged individuals.
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Community Mobilization
Building collaboratives with people from all economic classes. Inclusive community decision-making.
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Education
Strategies for working with students from poverty. Encouraging persistence and academic achievement.
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"Bridges Out of Poverty" Training
For educators, nonprofits, community leaders, healthcare workers, law enforcement, etc. Often includes scenario analysis, strategy development, and personal reflection.
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"Getting Ahead" Class
A curriculum for individuals in poverty to explore their own lives and develop future stories.