SERVICES
Making A Difference
Santa Rosa Bridges Out of Poverty is in the business of changing and shaping lives. The work we do is aimed at providing a holistic approach to solving some of society’s biggest challenges. Through Getting Ahead curriculum, we work to empower our graduates and partners by creating opportunities and developing concrete plans for their success. Most of these plans are specific to the individual, however we do work to educate other non-profits and our community on the impact of poverty. We do this through Poverty Simulations, as well as, conversations with local groups and non-profits where we advocate for the resources our graduates identify as being needed.
" The GA Class helped me to clear all of the chaos in my brain and focus on what I needed to do." Investigator Class 20-2
GETTING AHEAD IN A JUST GETTING BY WORLD (GA)
Curriculum to Help Reach Your Future Story
The philosophy and success of the Getting Ahead in a Just Getting By World (GA) curriculum is based on the understanding of Poverty from individuals living in an unstable situation. Poverty "is not" identified as a money only proposition. "It is" the extent to which an individual lives without resources. We will investigate 'What Poverty Is?' from the perspective of the participant and the impact it has on our current environment and our community. Elements of the GA curriculum: Understanding the hidden rules of Economic Class, The eleven resources identified through research and how they will help you move from living in 'The Tyranny of the Moment' to 'Your Future Story'. You will then complete a self assessment of your personal resources and the resources available in your community. The insight you gain from these assessments will help you develop a realistic plan. We will help find the most meaningful path to stabilize your environment and what to do to focus your energy on building your resources for a better life. If you have challenges with increasing your resources or continue to live pay check to paycheck no matter what you do - Contact Us- Its time to write your best future story.
Community Poverty Simulations
What is a Poverty Simulation and how does it works? “I had no idea how under educated I was on this subject.” The Community Action Poverty Simulation breaks down stereotypes by allowing participants to step into the real life situations of others. Poverty is often portrayed as a stand alone issue - but this simulation allows individuals to walk a month in the shoes of someone who is facing poverty and realize how complex and interconnected issues of poverty really are.
• A single parent with limited resources and no transportation must find a way to get to work and get their child to daycare.
• An elderly person must find a way to pay for both utilities and medication.
• A young adult must care for siblings while their parent is incarcerated.
• An elderly couple must raise their grandchildren and deal with their own health and employment issues. After the experience, individuals then have the opportunity to discuss what they’ve learned with their peers. The Community Action Poverty Simulation is a tool that helps participants rethink the challenges that millions of low income individuals must face each and every day. More importantly, this tool helps people identify areas of change that can directly impact the effects of poverty on individuals, families and communities.
Research shows that Poverty Simulations overwhelmingly allow for educational "AHA" moments using a hands on experiential model.
Our team is working every day to make a positive impact and increase community awareness to issues of Poverty..
Register for the next Poverty Simulation in your area below. There will be a short pretest to fill out prior to the event and a post test to complete at the conclusion of the simulation. These survey are extremely important to our assessment of Santa Rosa County's awareness of resources and the needs of those facing challenges every day. You may also simply
I want to find out more. We will be happy to talk to you about this.
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS, EDUCATION AND ADVOCACY
Helping The Community
At Santa Rosa Bridges Out of Poverty, We are dedicated to stepping up our efforts in addressing the root causes of poverty in our community. There are many causes of poverty, some having to do with the individual, but most stemming from community conditions, exploitation, and political/economic structures. We work with interested individuals, families and even members in our local community to help them define and implement strategies that will help all find the path to a better future story.
Poverty Simulations are an experiential way for community members to take their first step in understanding what it means to live in poverty.
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We invite you to learn more by inviting us to speak at your agency or group meetings. Another way to learn more is by volunteering or you can just lend us your support.
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Please contact us if you are interested in this philosophy or would like to learn more. Use the Get Involved link here.