In August of 2025, United Way of North Central Oklahoma—together with the Community Health Foundation of Kay County and the Kay County Health Department—had the privilege of bring Treasure McKenzie to present Bridges Out of Poverty in Kay County. This program challenged us to look at poverty through a new lens, deepened our understanding of the barriers many families face, and helped us begin building stronger pathways toward opportunity and resilience.
Bridges Out of Poverty is a unique and powerful tool designed specifically for social, health, and legal services professionals. Based in part on Dr. Ruby K. Payne's myth shattering A Framework for Understanding Poverty, Bridges reaches out to the millions of service providers and businesses whose daily work connects them with the lives of people in poverty.
This certified training prepares individuals to present the Bridges Out of Poverty Individual lens and Bridges Out of Poverty Institutional lens workshops to individuals in their own organizations and partnering organizations. This training provides information to break down barriers with poverty and begin to effect community change.
Comprehensive research and training materials are provided.
Participants will:
- Gain a deep understanding of the Bridges strategies and processes
- Develop effective poverty reduction strategies for your organization and community
- Network with and learn from others passionate about ending poverty
- Become an agent of change for your organization or community
- Tailor the Bridges strategies to your organization’s needs
Participation in the original Bridges Out of Poverty is strongly recommended but not required. If you missed previous offerings of Bridges Out of Poverty, you can take an online course. Visit Bridges Out of Poverty Workshop - aha! Process for more information.
Highlights of this workshop include the following topics:
- Begin with the end in mind
- The Getting Ahead series and methodology: Getting Ahead is different
- Partnerships in healthcare
- Community sustainability grid
- Social capital and community assessment
- Analyzing resources: “getting by” vs. “getting ahead” resources
- Two-generation program
- Felon reentry class
- Bridges workshops for the community
- Bridges attorney
- Getting Ahead graduate results,
- Bridges Steering Committee
- Typical steps for developing a Bridges community
- Criteria for a Bridges community
This workshop is open to the general public and perfect for community organizers, elected officials, concerned citizens, nonprofit staff, mental health providers, educators and school counselors, those working in the health and human service industry, frontline employees and more!
United Way of North Central Oklahoma, the Community Health Foundation of Kay County, and the Kay County Health Department are proud to work alongside so many dedicated partners—including the United Methodist Church, Kristen Lawson’s Under My Wing with volunteers supporting child care, Coryell Cupboard, and many community partners—who are coming together to bring the Getting Ahead program to Kay County.
More Than Education—It’s Empowerment
Getting Ahead is about more than training. It’s about equipping individuals and families with the tools, confidence, and support they need to build stability and create brighter futures. None of this is possible without the collaboration, compassion, and commitment of our community partners.
Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges
If you’ve spent much of your life just getting by, the idea of truly getting ahead can feel out of reach. But the next chapter can be different—and you don’t have to write it alone.
In a supportive group setting, participants work step by step through a guided discovery of their strengths, challenges, and opportunities. With the help of a practical workbook and a community of peers, they begin creating a plan for lasting change.
Why It Matters
Nationally, 70% of Getting Ahead graduates report increased stability within the first year, with many achieving gains in employment, education, and housing. Communities implementing the program see stronger job retention and reduced reliance on public assistance.
A Brighter Future Starts Here
Through weeks of reflection, planning, and hard work, participants move from “just getting by” to truly getting ahead. With your support, we can remove barriers and provide the resources families need to succeed.
We invite you to consider becoming a sponsor. Your support provides the resources and opportunities families need to succeed.
Join us in building a community where every family has the opportunity to thrive.
- Accepted Online via https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/bridges-out-of-poverty-getting-ahead-classes
- Mailed: PO Box 828, Ponca City, OK 74602
