CAMDEN — By TAMMY FRAZIER
Managing editor
The Hub will offer the anti-poverty class “Getting Ahead in a Just-Getting-By World” in September. This is a plan of action taken after the Hub sponsored a “Bridges Out Of Poverty" seminar in November of 2017.
The organizers have released a brochure that explains that the class is held for: "When just getting by is no longer good enough. It is time to start getting ahead."
The material states that the program is a 16-week workshop series that is "providing motivated people the tools and support necessary to get ahead in today's world."
The program will also provide free meals, free child care, a paid stipend, and transportation if needed.
A grant from Ouachita Electric Roundup supplied all the books and supplies needed.
The "Getting Ahead" class will teach attendees how different resources - or the lack thereof - affects an individual and his or her family.
"By examining the resources you have versus the resources you need, you will be able to formulate a personal plan, based on goals, to get ahead," the brochure states.
Those involved in putting together this program have announced that the facilitator for the program has been trained and certified, but that mentors will be needed for each graduate upon completion of the class. Anyone who wants to be a mentor can call Tarrie Barnes at 837-4001.
Also those who want to participate in the free class must fill out an application and letter of recommendation, and must consent to a background check.
For more information, call 231-1111, or pick up an application at the Christian Health Center in the Cardinal Shopping Center at 1115 Fairview Road.
The Ouachita County Quorum Court met in early July to discuss the upcoming anti-poverty classes, and District 10 Justice Charlotte Young said that in Hot Springs - which has offered this program for several years - class participants built a relationship among themselves and often assisted one another with transportation.
Young said she those in charge of the class in Camden will be approaching local churches to see if refreshments can be donated for those who attend the class.
She added that in Hot Springs, an 80-percent success rate with the class has been reported.
Information provided by the Hub states that one of the main purposes of the class is to help participants "break out of the tyranny of the moment and develop a new future story."