Bridges to Success Program

Getting Ahead Cohort (GA)

If you are struggling to get by or trying to overcome the impact of economic instability on your life, you are welcome to apply. In Getting Ahead, no one tells you what to do. You will gain the skills, knowledge, and tools necessary to create a new future for yourself.

Meet for 16 weeks as a small group,in a safe, supportive environment
Enjoy a meal, learn together
Evaluate and build your resources, developand pursue your future goals
Earn a stipend for each class
Create your own arguments for change
Learn to use your voice in the community
Access ongoing support and learning

“Attending Getting Ahead was the best decision I made. I felt my voice was heard.” - GA Graduate

GA Graduates who stay active in Bridges to Success are encouraged to access Ongoing Enrichment Courses and Supportive Assistance needed to overcome barriers as they continue working toward their goals. Other opportunities include Networking Events and Leadership Development.

Apply for Getting Ahead cohort

Please call our office at 814-539-2633 (x200) or email office@bridgescm.org to request an application. Applications are accepted year round.

Ongoing Enrichment Courses

Various courses offer Getting Ahead Graduates the opportunity to build their resources and skills across areas such as: financial, spiritual, emotional, and relational health.

Bridges Financial Management (see below)*
Exploring Your Faith
Boundaries in Relationships
Taking out Your Emotional Trash
Emotionally Destructive Relationships
More to come

*Anyone is welcome to apply for the Bridges Financial Management Course. This is the only Ongoing Enrichment Course that is open to non-Getting Ahead graduates. You still need to apply and qualify to enroll.

Bridges Financial Management Course is a unique opportunity done in cooperation with various financial institutions such as 1st Summit Bank, the Johnstown Credit Bureau, and others. This 10 week course meets individuals where they are in life and provides accessible information. The goal is for graduates to demonstrate increased knowledge in key areas of financial literacy.
The curriculum includes topics such as spending wisely and the importance of emergency savings, plugging spending leaks, interest rates, credit reports, credit scores and how to improve them, debt and how to reduce it, avoiding financial predators, asset development like owning versus renting a home, and more!
Another goal of the course is for graduates to know and trust a banker and develop more banking opportunities. Those completing the course will earn a $150 savings incentive at the bank who is sponsoring the course.

Apply for Bridges Financial Management

Please call our office at 814-539-2633 (x200) or email office@bridgescm.org to request an application. Applications are accepted year round.

Job Readiness Workshop

The Job Readiness Workshop (JRW) equips you to succeed in the workplace but is also part of a Workforce & Workplace Developmental Model. This Model will help the community understand and address the needs of our friends and neighbors living in chronic instability.

18 hour Intensive Training
Prepare for the job search, application, and interview process
Prepare for full-time employment
Create a plan for a career rather than a “just getting by” job
Connect with Community Services and Core Employers

JRW Graduates become lifetime Members and can access other benefits as well as individual Job Coaching, support to maintain employment, and help with barriers to succeeding in the workplace.

Please call our office at 814-539-2633 (x200) or email office@bridgescm.org to request an application. Applications are accepted year round.

Apply for Bridges Financial Management

Workplace Stability Workshop

These Lunch & Learn style workshops are available for businesses to learn the unique challenges faced by those who live in daily instability and to help businesses develop creative solutions to improve overall stability for the workplace.
Businesses who have been trained in Workplace Stability can become Core Employers – creating a pipeline for entry level job referrals for our members who have been trained in Job Readiness, are enrolled in ongoing development, and use our job retention services. This is a win-win partnership, helping businesses with job retention and helping members become stable in the work environment.
This Workforce & Workplace Development model relies on Community Partnerships that provide Members connection to Core Employers who are trained in Workplace Stability and access to Community Services to address areas of instability.
This is a work in progress as we develop collaborative partnerships that streamline the process for people living in instability to access the services and opportunities they need to thrive. This is a model of “poverty reduction through employment” that asks everyone to help solve the problem of chronic instability in our community.

Please call our office at 814-539-2633 (x200) or email office@bridgescm.org to request an application. Applications are accepted year round.

Getting Ahead Cohort (GA)

Apply for Getting Ahead cohort

Ongoing Enrichment Courses

Apply for Bridges Financial Management

Job Readiness Workshop

Apply for Bridges Financial Management

Workplace Stability Workshop

Apply for Bridges Financial Management

Here are just a few great examples of how people have turned their plans into action!

Bridges Cooperative Ministry

Getting Ahead Cohort (GA)

Apply for Getting Ahead cohort

Ongoing Enrichment Courses

Apply for Bridges Financial Management

Job Readiness Workshop

Apply for Bridges Financial Management

Workplace Stability Workshop

Apply for Bridges Financial Management

Here are just a few great examples of how people have turned their plans into action!

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