Bridges Out of Poverty training is Dec. 4, 11

Register by November 30

The Compassion Coalition is presenting Bridges Out of Poverty, a two-day training program for those who serve people who are homeless, in poverty, or in need.

“When you work with someone in need, do you wonder why they make certain choices?” the Compassion Coalition asks. “Do you wish they would experience faster success?  Do you give them ‘the look’ when they just don’t get it? If so, this training is for you.”

Bridges Out of Poverty training will be held from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on two Fridays, December 4 and 11, at the Oak Ridge Unitarian Universalist Church, 809 Oak Ridge Turnpike in Oak Ridge. This training class is in two parts, and participants must attend both sessions.

The interactive training explores how the economic environment in which people grow up impacts their ability to not only get by, but also get ahead in life. Registration is required by November 30, and the cost is $25 for the book and training materials. Agape House of Oak Ridge, a nonprofit organization that provides transitional housing for the homeless, is underwriting the cost of bringing the training to the community.

The book, “Bridges Out of Poverty: Strategies for Professionals and Communities,” helps those in the training identify patterns that exist for people, whether they have grown up in generational poverty, middle class, or wealth. By exploring the differences, those in the training will have a greater awareness of the challenges faced in the different environments. Bridges Out of Poverty trainings are designed primarily for people from the middle class and wealth, and on occasion, participants who have grown up in generational poverty attend.

To register, e-mail Agape House director Michael McCutcheon at michael@agapehouse.org and mail a check made out to Agape House for the registration fee to Agape House of Oak Ridge, P.O. Box 4932, Oak Ridge, Tenn. 37831-4932.

The Compassion Coalition, a faith-based nonprofit in Knoxville, consists of 231 churches in Knox County that are committed to moving beyond the walls of their church buildings to offer compassion in the midst of the poverty, pain, and brokenness in the community.