The United Way of Henry County and Martinsville announced the start of its 17th cohort of Getting Ahead in a Just-Gettin’-By World at the Warming Center of Martinsville & Henry County.
The 17-week workshop series guides participants to investigate their own lives and learn the “hidden rules” of society based on the resources they already have versus those they need.
During the three-hour class sessions, individuals — known as “investigators” — uncover 11 resources and tools to define success and security in their lives, their families’ lives and their community. By examining and understanding these resources, each participant crafts a personal plan based on individual needs and future goals.
United Way shared the following success story from a recent graduate:
Angela enrolled in the Getting Ahead workshop series to learn more about available local resources and gain insight into her own situation. As she began her recovery journey, she hoped to regain visitation rights with her children. Angela also sought friendship and support through participation in the program alongside others who had experienced similar challenges.
Her main goal was to learn about new opportunities and strategies to rebuild her life and create a successful future. She said the time management activities resonated with her and helped reshape her routines. She learned how to prioritize daily tasks to ensure important responsibilities were completed.
Angela secured employment after graduation. She established boundaries that enabled her to leave an unhealthy relationship and now lives in a more positive environment. She has strengthened family connections and spends more time with her daughter on weekends. She also joined a church, where she participates in a Bible study group and the praise band.
Through the program, Angela said she realized she was not alone in navigating life’s challenges. Seeing others share and progress each week motivated her to continue striving for the life she wants.
By the end of the workshop series, Angela identified her future goals as obtaining a college degree to secure a career and become independent from public assistance, and giving back to the community by supporting others facing similar challenges. She is also saving for a new car.
Angela said she “really liked Getting Ahead, because it went a long way to rebuild my reputation within the community. It’s hard to rebuild your life and reputation after you have struggled with substance abuse and mental illness. There are many stigmas and they can make you and your family think you’ll never change, and you’ll never get ahead. Really, though, you can! It takes a lot of hard work, but it’s possible. I am so glad that I heard about Getting Ahead and I am so glad that I had the opportunity to participate.”
For more information about the program or to learn how to become a volunteer facilitator, contact Brandy Lawless at 276-638-3946, ext. 109, email Brandy@UnitedWayofHCM.org, or visit www.UnitedWayofHCM.org/Bridges.
