By Charma Wurm-Adams
cwurm@wbcowqel.com
Statistics indicate 17 percent of the population in Crawford County lives in poverty. A group of individuals and organizations have dedicated themselves to helping them get ahead.
Getting Ahead Crawford County is chaired by Tina Waller. The fledgling program has put together a 16-week program designed to help people help themselves.
Waller explained the program at a meeting at Galion Alliance Church on Tuesday evening.
“Getting Ahead Crawford County is a group of dedicated individuals, agencies and churches who are looking forward to helping individuals with limited resources actually get ahead. It’s not just a hand out, it’s not a short term fix,” Waller said. “We are looking at a long-term process to help individuals overcome poverty.”
Getting Ahead wants to promote behaviors and attitudes that will lead to employability including physical health and mobility, self-sufficiency, good work values, aiding people with needed resources to utilize skills and talents of the community.
The program has a goal of getting 10 people to commit to taking the classes. Sponsors and volunteers are needed. The first session, entitled Ally Training 1: Introduction to Bridges Out of Poverty, is scheduled for 9 to noon on Sept. 13 at the Galion Alliance Church.
Those interested in contributing to Getting Ahead Crawford County may send checks payable to The Galion Community Foundation (Getting Ahead) to P.O. Box 631, Bucyrus, Ohio 44820. Those with questions may call 419-562-9010.