Second 'Getting Ahead' class graduates

Sunday, June 8, 2014
The second class of "Getting Ahead in a Just Getting by World" graduated Thursday, May 29 at Gobin UMC. Graduates and facilitators included (from left) co-facilitator Courtney Morgan, Erin Sprinkle, Yvonne Jackson, Lee Ann Gray, Amanda Hunter and facilitator Carl Singer.

The second class of "Getting Ahead in a Just Getting by World" in Greencastle has completed, and four graduates celebrated on Thursday, May 29.

The class includes 15 three-hour sessions and is for the under resourced in our community who desire to "get ahead." The goal is to help each "investigator" become freer, more autonomous and more likely to become partners in the process of building a better community.

"Getting Ahead" is an arm of the Transformers at Gobin United Methodist Church led by Linda Hunter, who desires to make a difference in the Putnam County community.

The first class, which graduated last fall, evaluated resources available in our community, which led to the Putnam County Coalition for Bridges out of Poverty, led by Judi Purvis.

Community members meet as a coalition to communicate about resources already available and to work on creating new ones through resource teams. Graduates of the class are invited to work with the coalition to solve problems for the under resourced.

Carl Singer was the facilitator for this class and he shared some points at the graduation from the Getting Ahead concepts like the "Theory of Change," urging the graduates to keep moving forward.

The guest speaker was Putnam County Prosecutor Tim Bookwalter, who shared his personal story and the importance of having mentors in our lives. He encouraged guests at the graduation to mention mentors that had been a positive influence in their lives and challenged the graduates to pursue positive influences.

Each of the graduates shared something they had gained from the class and three former graduates offered encouragement too.

Getting Ahead coordinator Lori Miller reminded everyone that "together we can make a difference." She described this class as a tool for making changes in their lives. But many good tools are stuck on a shelf somewhere and never used.

She challenged the graduates that their future story is in their hands. No one told them what to change; they each came up with their own plan. But they can write a future story one step at a time, knowing that the Greencastle community wants to support them.

Anyone iinterested in more information about this opportunity may contact Judi Purvis at Gobin (653-6010) or Lori Miller at Greencastle Christian Church (653-5816). A new class will be forming in the fall.

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