"The secret of getting ahead is getting started." That quote from Mark Twain is the tagline of Getting Ahead, a 12-week program hosted by the newly formed nonprofit Friends of Donegal. The program will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays beginning Oct. 6 at Florin Church of the Brethren, 815 Bruce Ave., Mount Joy, and will focus on the resources needed to get ahead financially rather than just getting by.
The course is intended for people who live in poverty or in an unstable situation, said Tom Weber, the pastor of the church and a co-facilitator of the program. "So many people today live on the financial edge in life, where their income barely covers their expenses," he stated. "And with one mishap, an illness or any financial setback ... a whole family can find themselves at great financial risk, which then can lead to physical trouble as well as emotional and spiritual struggles." The goal of the program, he explained, is to help people investigate their lives and find ways to help themselves prevent financial setbacks while building positive goals.
"By walking through this investigation and developing action steps, plus some encouragement as a class together, families can work to achieve a sense of freedom from the financial pressure they may be under," he shared.
Friends of Donegal was founded by Andi Riefenstahl after she learned of the high poverty and homelessness rate in the Donegal community, which encompasses Mount Joy, Marietta and Maytown. In recent years, there have been as many as 90 children, in addition to their adults, who have been considered homeless. While the word "homeless" may spur visions of people living on the street, Friends of Donegal defines it as anyone who is experiencing an unstable or transient housing situation. As this hidden homeless population continues to grow in the community, people may need guidance in finding the community resources available to them. Friends of Donegal seeks to connect needs with resources.
The group has worked with local agencies and churches to identify potential participants for Getting Ahead, and there is still room for more. Additionally, Friends of Donegal is looking for community members to support the program with donations of gift cards for participants as well as help with child care and transportation during the Wednesday classes.
Weber said he hopes participants will learn one specific thing in the program: awareness. "Awareness that they are not alone, awareness that there is help available and where to find their help, awareness of making wise personal choices, awareness of some principles that can be managed to lift themselves up, awareness that there are people who care about them," he stated. "And to gain that sense of financial freedom."
For more information on Friends of Donegal, to make a donation or to enroll in the program, call 717-473-9109, search for "FOD-Friends of Donegal" on Facebook or email Info@friendsofdonegal.org.
Leave a Review