Getting Ahead (English language)

Enrollment is opening for our next Getting Ahead cycle, kicking off in August! The three cohort options this round are:

  • English-language: Wednesdays, August 12 – December 9, 5:30–8:00pm at the Kennett Area YMCA 
  • Spanish-language: Wednesdays, August 12 – December 9, 5:30–8:00pm at the Kennett Area YMCA
  • Spanish-language: Tuesdays, August 11 – December 8, 9:00–11:30am at The Garage in Kennett Square

Getting Ahead is a free, 16-week program for adults navigating financial and/or resource instability. Over the course of the workshop, participants examine the hidden rules that shape life in poverty, set concrete goals, build a stronger support network, and get connected to local resources, all in a peer-driven, judgment-free space. We provide a $30 weekly gift card, dinner, childcare (evening session), and all materials at no cost to participants.

 

The impact has been real: of the 31 graduates from the most recent workshop, 19 increased their income, 19 decreased their debt, 8 started new jobs, and 23 connected with or referred to the organizations that gave guest presentations (expect another email about that in the next few weeks!). One recent graduate put it simply: "I learned that we are capable and brave people, and we can be effective in whatever we set our minds to. There is help available in our community."

 

You know your community members best, so we're hoping you'll help us get the word out. If someone in your care could use extra support, practical planning tools, and a sense of connection, please send them our way. I'm always glad to answer questions or help you think through whether it's the right fit. Please note that full attendance across all 16 sessions is required, and graduates go on to qualify for follow-up programs like Financial Empowerment and Staying Ahead.

 

Flyers and applications in English and Spanish are attached for sharing or posting. To go directly to the online application, click here for English and here for Spanish. Thank you, as always, for all you do for our neighbors.