In 2015, a small social service nonprofit in rural Chester County, Pennsylvania, encountered the Bridges model and began using it to change the way it addressed poverty at the individual and institutional level. Before long, its vision expanded to include other local leaders, all intent on asking the question: How do we—together—create a community where everyone has access to the resources they need to thrive? That initial conversation has now expanded into a regional Collective Impact initiative, based on the Bridges framework, that is working to bring people together across institutions, sectors, and economic classes to address poverty in comprehensive ways. Join us to hear about our journey, and engage in discussion about how to turn your Bridges initiative into a collaborative community framework.
Learning objectives include:
- Understand how Bridges can be applied at the community and policy levels.
- Learn about tools for engaging community members from a variety of sectors.
- Learn how to include your Getting Ahead program and participants in community action.
Kate Daneker
Coordinator, Southern Chester County Opportunity Network
aha! Process National Consultant
—Kennett Square, Pennsylvania
Wendy Gaynor
Director of Food Security Initiatives
Chester County Food Bank
—Exton, Pennsylvania
Yvette Blanding
Development and Outreach Manager
Orion Communities
—Phoenixville, Pennsylvania