Recognizing the economic realities of our region and high rate of women continuing the cycle of poverty, Michiana SHRM Chapter partnered with St. Joseph County Bridges Out of Poverty in their effort to eliminate it. Living in poverty means living in the “tyranny of the moment” that robs people of their future story. Their lives stay reactive. Proactive planning and thinking, skills normed in middle class, are essential for creating a future story. Without one, people can’t plan for their own or their children’s future. A key principle adopted by Bridges is that all economic classes need to be talking, sharing and working together at the decision-making table. Bridges has provided the opportunity for community groups to collaborate in the Getting Ahead initiative. Chapter members join the Chamber of Commerce, Teachers Credit Union, Memorial Hospital, Ivy Tech Community College and seven other agencies to provide workshops so people from generational poverty can explore the impact of poverty in their lives, build positive relationships with the business community (Allies), learn self-advocacy skills and practice the rules and norms of economic class. In the process, Allies deepen their knowledge and awareness of poverty and its damaging effects on individuals and our community.
The Michiana SHRM Chapter won a 2010 Pinnacle Award for this initiative.
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