We Believe
We believe that by working together as a community, we can support individuals who want to break the cycle of poverty. We know that by helping people to move forward toward self-sufficiency, we strengthen our entire community.
We believe that literacy programs, employment programs and our partners play a significant role in helping people move from getting by to getting ahead, which will result in having a positive impact on their work and their training.
In the LOCS region, literacy programs work in partnership with Employment Services and Social Services to offer “Getting Ahead in a Just Getting By World”, a program that is designed to support under-resourced individuals in our communities, including Haliburton, City of Kawartha Lakes and Peterborough.
Getting Ahead programs are offered internationally. Learn more about the Getting Ahead program in Ontario, Canada.
The Getting Ahead program is part of the International Bridges out of Poverty model created by aha! Process.
Literacy and Poverty
There is a clear link between literacy and poverty, so it is ideal that our programs are able to offer the Getting Ahead program.
In 2023 ABC Life Literacy shared the news report called “The link between literacy and poverty: Can education help to eliminate poverty?” which stated that “For individuals at the lowest skill level, 29 per cent are from low-income households. In comparison, the median household income for individuals with the highest literacy proficiencies was 70 per cent more than those on the other end of the literacy spectrum.”
The Success
The Getting Ahead program has proven to be successful in supporting participants in increased employment, decreased debt, increased engagement in education and training programs, increase in healthy relationships and decreased use of publicly funded benefits. As a society, we all benefit when someone leaves public assistance and is welcomed as a tax-paying citizen.
HEAR what people are saying after finishing a Getting Ahead program offered by LBS.
Who Would Benefit from Attending?
- Individuals in the program will have the goal of increasing their stability and improving their lives.
- Individuals in the program will have a willingness to reconsider their direction to provide a better future for themselves and their families.
- Everyone in the program will be asked if they have a desire and ability to participate in all 16 sessions.
- Individuals should have some stability in their life so that they can focus on the program. While the workshop is ideal to support individuals experiencing some challenges, the program will not be suitable if they are currently facing a major crisis (i.e.: person experiencing undiagnosed or untreated mental health challenges, person struggling with addiction, domestic violence situation or person experiencing consistent housing crisis). We would advise referring to future programs.
What to Expect in a Getting Ahead Program
The group meets for 16 sessions, usually for 3-4 hours at a time. This can be daily or two or three times a week.
Meals are provided and people eat together. Many community restaurants have offered support to the program by providing participants with a meal. We greatly appreciate this support!
Participants receive a small stipend for attending. This demonstrates a respect for their time and the work they are putting into learning and investigating their life and their community. It also ensures some of the costs for attending are offset.
Referring to a Program
We have received incredible support from our partners in the region, including Literacy and Basic Skills programs, Employment Services, Social Services, Canadian Mental Health Association, shelters, and other community services.
We are very grateful to our partners for making referrals. These referrals make this a true community partnership. Together we are building stronger communities.
Making a Referral in Peterborough
Peterborough Native Learning Program
Trent Valley Literacy Association
Making a Referral in City of Kawartha Lakes
VCCS
Adult & Alternative Education Centre
Making a Referral in Haliburton
John Howard Society – Minden
Fleming Work and Academic Upgrading – Haliburton
Resources
- Learn how Bridges out of Poverty and Getting Ahead are connected
- Find out how to become a Certified Getting Ahead Facilitator you can also contact directly for information.
We welcome your questions about how LBS supports Getting Ahead programs. Please contact Carrie Wakeford .
