Debbie Kulick, Something to Think About
These past few months have created turmoil in many lives. Whether it was due to illness, the increased workload for some of us or for others, the loss of employment or at the very least being furloughed. Whichever it is in your world, there has been some type of disruption. For those who have suffered illness or have lost someone, I know that our hearts go out to you. The challenges have been great.
For those who are living from paycheck to paycheck or hand-to-mouth, there is some helpful light at the end of the tunnel. Beginning on Tuesday, September 8, a free program offered through the Pocono Mountains United Way may bring to you that helping hand up that makes all the difference in the world.
The virtual program “Getting Ahead in a Just Gettin”-By World” will be held over 20 weeks. It’s not too late to call and join. The program was created to help participants take control of their financial futures, examine barrier and set goals to build the resources to get there. Something that most of us may not even know will be shared as well: learning about the hidden “rules” of economic class and how to navigate them.
Additionally, it will allow participants to receive support in assessing and overcoming those barriers while building new supportive relationships with others. A big plus, and I mean a really BIG plus is that participating and completing the program enables participants to be eligible for a Matched Saving Account Program to help them reach their SMART goals for the future!
This program, formerly offered by Pocono Alliance (a merger of both Pocono Alliance and United Way only made the programs offered stronger), has had significant success over the more than five years it has been presented. Graduates of the program have gone onto better jobs, finished their education, and more. In short, it is a success-making program for the participants.
Due to the pandemic, the program will be offered in virtual fashion (something most of us have now grown used to) and will be offered as both a day and night class. The sessions will be weekly or bi-weekly. Oh, and did I mention one of the really great advantages to learning?There is a $20 stipend per class for participation.
As long as you are living in the East Stroudsburg School District (or Monroe County), the program is open to you to explore. If you are interested in signing up for the Getting Ahead workshops, you can register at tinyurl.com/Getting-Ahead-PMUW or simply call: 570-517-3956 for more information.
This is an opportunity that could turn everything around and certainly let you take the successful road less traveled! Good Luck!
