The Salvation Army of Michigan City: Bridges Out of Poverty: Gettin’ Ahead in a Just Gettin’ By World
The Salvation Army of Michigan City will launch another 12-week
session of “Bridges Out of Poverty: Getting Ahead in a Just-Gettin’ By World”
beginning on Wednesday, August 14. Classes will take place every Wednesday at
The Salvation Army, 1201 Franklin Street, at 5:00 pm. This will be the sixth
series of Bridges hosted by The Salvation Army, a program that Major Becky
Simmons feels is needed in the Michigan City community as a way of helping
residents identify and overcome barriers.
“This class is ideal for anyone who wants to make a change in their life,” said
Simmons, who oversees The Salvation Army of Michigan City with her husband,
Major Dale Simmons. “Bridges really focuses on individuals as a whole person,
talking about our childhood experience, how we grew up, and how that all
impacts the decisions we make as adults. It’s a great opportunity for anyone
who is at a point in their life that they’re ready to do something different
and finally get ahead.” Some “hidden rules for getting ahead” that are
discussed in this session includes building confidence in doing what it takes
to get ahead, how to build resources and make connections, ways to deal with
change, and how to create stability.
Incentives are offered throughout the session, providing small celebrations
along to encourage engagement and motivation. This year, Comcast has donated 15
new laptop computers that will be provided to those who complete the entire
12-week session. The laptop donation is part of Project UP, Comcast’s $1
billion commitment to advance digital equity and help build a future of
unlimited possibilities.
“For more than a decade, Comcast has been committed to closing
the digital divide in Michigan City and other communities across its footprint
nationally,” said Philip Goodrich, Comcast’s Community Relations Manager in
Northern Indiana. “We are proud to partner with The Salvation Army of Michigan
City to help residents build digital skills and access the technology they need
to succeed in today’s digital world.”
Bridges: Getting Ahead is free and open to the public. Free childcare is
provided during the class, and a free dinner is served after the class.
Sessions are led by Kimberley Williams, who is a certified facilitator of this
program. Funding for this program is provided by the Duneland Health Council. With
numerous graduates from this program, Simmons said she truly believes in this
program and looks forward to welcoming new attendees this year. Those
interested can simply plan to attend the first session on August 14. Advance
enrollment is not necessary. More information about Bridges and Pathway of Hope
is available by contacting The Salvation Army at (219) 874-6885.
For those seeking longer-term support, The Salvation Army also offers Pathway
of Hope – a 12 to 18-month case management program available to families with
at least one child under the age of 18 in the home and focuses on breaking the
cycle of generational poverty. Enrollment for this program is open year-round. Other
programs and services offered by The Salvation Army of Michigan City include a
food pantry, diaper bank, utility assistance, summer camp, free clothing room,
weekend backpack feeding program, and seasonal assistance. For more
information, contact The Salvation Army at (219) 874-6885 or visit
www.samichigancity.org.