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Getting Ahead: Turning Life Experience into a Path Forward
2026-5-12 | Ronda Ooms
Imagine turning your toughest life experiences into a toolkit for success. That is exactly what Getting Ahead in a Just-Gettin’ By World helps individuals do.
On May 30, we will celebrate five women of varying ages who have completed a 16-week journey of self-discovery and growth. Throughout the program, they have taken an honest and in-depth look at their lives—where they’ve been, where they are now, and where they hope to go in the future.
Getting Ahead is designed for individuals living in poverty or unstable situations, helping them build resources for a better life and greater economic stability. Participants explore poverty through the lens of economic class, gaining a deeper understanding of how society and the economy function. In small groups, they examine the real-life impact of low wages and limited resources, while identifying what it takes to move from a “just-gettin’-by” world to a “getting-ahead” world.
This experience is unlike traditional learning environments. There are no lectures or prescribed answers. Instead, participants become investigators of their own lives—digging for truth, asking hard questions, and developing their own insights. “Getting ahead” is about action, movement, and ultimately reaching a place of self-sufficiency.
Our first group began in February 2025, with three women successfully completing the program. In January 2026, we launched our second group with seven participants, six of whom are now nearing completion. It has been a privilege for Shirley Pence and me to facilitate this group and learn alongside these remarkable women.
Our mission in offering Getting Ahead is simple but powerful:
“To inspire individuals to write a new story for the next chapter of their lives.”
For many, the idea of getting ahead can feel out of reach—especially after experiencing years of barriers, setbacks, and limited opportunities. But this program emphasizes that while each person must write their own story, they do not have to do it alone. Through a supportive group setting, participants build meaningful relationships and gain tools to move forward with confidence.
One of the key insights from the program is that we all rely on 11 essential resources: financial, emotional, language, mental/cognitive, social capital (connections), physical, spiritual, motivation/persistence, integrity/trust, relationships/role models, and knowledge of hidden rules. When any of these resources are lacking, individuals can experience poverty in ways that deeply affect their lives. Through guided investigation, participants identify which resources need strengthening and develop strategies to build them.
We also welcomed community agencies and individuals to share their expertise and resources. Topics included financial literacy, mental health, car maintenance, and educational opportunities—equipping participants with practical tools for everyday life.
Each participant has had the opportunity to recognize their strengths while identifying areas for growth. Several of our current participants have also shared written reflections about their experiences, highlighting the impact this program has had on their lives.
I’m thankful for getting the chance to do GA because I learned to not “judge a book by it’s cover”. I’m definitely going to miss the ladies I had the opportunity to get to know. - Bobbi
Getting Ahead has given me a new perspective on how people navigate poverty and build resources. It has helped me reflect on my own experiences and think more strategically about my future and my child’s future. For me, this journey is about rewriting a generational story and being more intentional about the life I am building. - Busayo
Being in the class has been a game changer for me. Not only has it changed my way of thinking when it comes to almost every situation now, but it has me feeling a sense of pride and joy, knowing I’m not alone in the process. It has me wanting to present myself in a more professional manner and has opened light up on so much. - Kimithi
The Getting Ahead class is a wonderful resource for the community that is wanting a new way to live life and be self-sufficient. It teaches hidden rules that most of us would not have known if we were not exposed to them in our upbringing. It challenges us to think outside the box and question reactions to stress, financial hardship and overall poverty. It creates a new journey towards independence from government assistance and empowers us to all do our part. We
have discovered we all have something to offer the community we live in and we have a responsibility to uplift and encourage others without judgement because we too have been there. Thank you for the opportunity to learn, grow and share in this class!! - Chrystal
The GA class has truly helped me grow in ways I never expected. It has helped me recognize areas in my life where I needed growth while also teaching me how to set realistic goals and successfully achieve them. More importantly, it has changed the way I think and given me greater insight into how to encourage, support, and help lead others as they work toward getting ahead in life.
This class has also helped me recognize my own strengths and realize that I am far more capable than I once believed. It has given me confidence, encouragement, and a renewed sense of hope for my future.
Being part of this class has been an incredible experience. The encouragement, support, and genuine connections I have built with others are something I deeply value and hope to continue beyond this program.
When I started this class, I was homeless. Despite the challenges and difficult circumstances I faced throughout the program, I remained focused, kept pushing forward, and was able to achieve stable housing. That alone is something I am incredibly proud of.
I am beyond grateful for this opportunity and for everything this class has taught me. Thank you for believing in me, encouraging me, and helping me grow. I will carry these lessons and experiences with me for the rest of my life. - Jennifer
Praise the Lord! We are deeply encouraged by the transformation we’ve seen—not just in what participants have learned, but in how they think about their lives and their futures. Watching this shift in perspective has been both powerful and inspiring.
As the program comes to a close, we are committed to staying connected with these women and walking alongside them as they continue to apply what they’ve learned in their everyday lives.
We have one final meeting remaining before we gather for a graduation celebration on Saturday, May 30—a time to honor their hard work, growth, and determination.
We invite you to join us in prayer—that the seeds planted during this journey will continue to grow and take root. Even one small change can begin a new direction, and those small steps can lead to meaningful, lasting transformation.