Testimonies

What are Getting Ahead Graduates Saying?

“Sometimes you don’t realize that you’re stuck because it has become a way of life…it’s normal! I was afraid to step outside the box, to become unstuck. There were untapped resources within the community that I hadn’t realized before. The Getting Ahead course helped me to realize that I wasn’t stuck and that there was hope for me.”

Lori Whaley, Getting Ahead Graduate and Board Member | St. Joseph (IN) Bridges Out of Poverty

"The things I have learned in this course are not everyday lessons. They are not common sense. The average person has no idea about the world we live in. Now I am teaching my children so they don't experience what I went through. Once you know, you know, and you can never see the world the same way again."

Tavania Hodges, College Student

Some comments from classes included:

• “I re-learned how to take a task to improve my life and make changes for myself—to break it down to simple and reachable goals—one step at a time.”

• “The discussions and personal assignments were my favorite part of the class. It taught me a lot more about myself and how to deal with certain situations better.”

• “I learned many new tools to help me when I feel stuck.”

• “I don’t have to feel poor.”

• “The class helped me significantly overcome my social anxiety that has always caused me a lot of issues in my life.”