(PCM+) Getting Ahead Just Became Easier in Ponca City!

The following article appeared in the print issue of Ponca City Monthly magazine, which includes hyperlocal stories about Ponca City. Get full access to all online articles, videos, and content by becoming a paid subscriber. We offer free and paid subscription plans. Find rack locations to pick up your free print copy here, or subscribe here to get online access plus exclusive content.

“Understanding the culture of poverty is essential for creating effective interventions and programs.“

~Ruby K. Payne, PhD, A Framework for Understanding Poverty

What happens when a few people bring one class to Ponca City about helping people get ahead financially? Well, in a caring community like this, it leads to a program that can help individuals and families move forward in their lives. Getting Ahead is a course for resilient people who are just “getting by.” It equips them with tools needed for more stability, and its programs nationally and in other Oklahoma locations have proven successful. The Getting Ahead course is coming to Ponca City in January!

It all began when a few community members—Tara Goldman, Scott Haywood and Kelli Northcutt—attended a Bridges Out of Poverty training in Osage County. They then brought the course to Pioneer Technology Center. After the training, over half of those attending wanted to participate in bringing the program to citizens in Ponca City, which led to a community coalition to organize the program. There are several committees coordinating different needs to make it a success, and as Executive Director of the Community Health Foundation, Derion Schieber is the chair.

Derion Scheiber with Coryell Cupboard board members Braven Dyer and Kerry Ebbert.