Today we take time to celebrate the wins of our neighbors! St. Vincent de Paul of Rapid City recently concluded an impactful 22-session curriculum called Getting Ahead in a Just-getting-by World. This program began with 16 participants and saw six graduate. Despite some participants not being able to complete the program due to significant life challenges, the workshop left a deep impression on all attendees.
The curriculum’s success was evident, especially for the low-income graduates who started the sessions with low self-esteem. These participants, who were not accustomed to having their opinions valued, found their confidence grow throughout the program. By the end, one graduate was actively applying for jobs on Indeed, while another polished her resume in preparation for employment. The middle-class participants also gained a new understanding of the hardships of poverty, deepening their empathy and commitment to community change.
The impacts don’t stop there. Graduates were so empowered by the program that they formed a working group to address barriers facing low-income families. They are currently working on a project with the Rapid City Water division to help prevent low-income families from having their water turned off (at a cost of $75) and avoid the 6.25% late fees. The group advocated that if the Water Division reworked the bill explanations and added consumer education, low-income families may be able to budget this utility better, pay on-time, and not use part of their rent budget to pay late fees.
Looking forward, St. Vincent de Paul of Rapid City will offer a condensed version of the curriculum starting January 7th every Tuesday and Thursday evening. Love INC is hosting the twice a week workshop with free dinner, free childcare and free transportation. Each participant (called investigators) will receive a $25 stipend for participating at each session. Catholic Social Services contributed workshop supplies. With continued support from the John T. Vucurevich Foundation for books and participant stipends, St. Vincent de Paul of Rapid City is poised to expand the program and empower even more community members to overcome the cycle of poverty!
To sign up for the workshop, text “register” to 605-939-7402, email online@loveinconline.com or go to Love INC, 414E. Omaha Street. Agency staff are welcome to participate as well.
