Written by Kristen ClarkNext month, Switchpoint Community Resource Center will ask the incredible volunteers of Dixie to help currently struggling and newly housed families establish their own bridge out of poverty.
“Based on the book, “Bridges Out of Poverty” by Phillip E. Devol and Ruby K. Payne, the national mentoring initiative known as Circles USA was developed,” stated Julie Duckett, Volunteer Manager with Switchpoint. “This program is for those struggling and recently housed families that have come from poverty to learn how to establish connections and resources through allies.”
“If you’re into a four-generation-deep cycle of poverty, the only way to stop it is to put the brakes on that family and teach them the core thoughts of middle-class thinking,” Switchpoint Executive Director, Carol Hollowell said. “We’re trying to get them to grow their circle of friends so they can increase their opportunities.”
As examples, Hollowell said people who grow up in poverty may not have a basic understanding of civil manners or how to manage personal finances.
Switchpoint opened over Labor Day weekend in September of 2014 and has been recognized as a new one-stop-shop to assist those families and individuals experiencing homelessness by providing resources to change their circumstances.
“A lot of these families were staying with us at the shelter. They have now become more stable and have found employment and housing. They have money coming in each month and yet they still are struggling because they don’t know how to budget their money,” Hollowell said. “We also have families that come to our food pantry who are housed but are still struggling to make ends meet. If we’re really going to make a difference, we have to change the mindset.”
“What we are looking for are volunteers who are willing to become “allies” to these families for 18 months – put their arms around them for 18 months, believe in them and teach them how to break their cycle of poverty,” stated Duckett.
The classes for circle leaders and allies will begin March 25 and will continue every Wednesday evening. Duckett said that the classes will take place at the Children’s Museum in downtown St. George and child care and dinner will be provided.
There will also be a kickoff event for allies at the Ally Meet and Greet Luncheon – Tuesday March 17th at Noon located at Switchpoint (948 N 1300 W) in the Multi-Purpose Room. This event is for allies or those who are interested in becoming an ally. Scott Miller will be presenting information on this program, and will be available to answer questions. If you are interested, please RSVP Julie Duckett at 435-627-4661 to attend.
There will also be a Town Hall Meeting Tuesday, March 17 at the St. George City Hall Chambers from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Learn about the new Circles St. George, dedicated to eliminating poverty in our community.
The program is funded by a federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families grant. Although some meals have been established, Duckett said that the program is looking for more restaurant and church group participation as well as involvement from speakers who can address the classes.
Please contact Carol Hollowell at [email protected] or Julie Duckett at [email protected] for more information or to become an ally.
