The following is from Carol Bradshaw, Forward Steps manager at Second Harvest Food Bank of East Central Indiana. Below are stories of people who have experienced a great deal of personal growth through their experiences with Getting Ahead. Each story has been lightly edited.

Thriving through adversity: Raquel’s tale of resilience and growth

Raquel’s journey with Second Harvest’s Getting Ahead program began with a whisper from a friend, stirring within her a desire for change. Stepping into the open house, she took a leap into the unknown, eager to unearth new possibilities.

Driven by a yearning to reshape her spending habits, Raquel embarked on the 16-week Getting Ahead program, securing her spot with determination. Each session peeled back layers, revealed insights into her circumstances, and ignited a hunger for more.

Thriving on the opportunity to delve deeper, Raquel delved into the THRIVE coaching component, where weekly meetings with her coach transformed into moments of connection and reflection. Amidst the aroma of coffee at McDonald’s, they mapped out her budget, but more than numbers, these meetings became sacred spaces for Raquel to unwind, to ponder the week’s triumphs and tribulations, and to envision her future.

Piece by piece, Raquel’s budgeting efforts bore fruit as she chipped away at her credit card debt and nurtured dreams of entrepreneurship. Raquel’s aspirations of a healthcare career took flight, promising a path that would keep her close to her three daughters.

Fueled by her coach’s guidance, Raquel’s spirit soared. Together, they charted an education plan that propelled her closer to her dreams. Raquel continues to meet barriers head-on. Sometimes they set her back, but her resilience and newfound vision for the future keep her moving forward.

Resilience rewritten: Michael’s path to redemption

Michael and his longtime partner embarked on a transformative journey nearly two years ago when they enrolled in the Getting Ahead program. Despite initial doubts stemming from his past, Michael’s unwavering commitment to change was evident from the start. His past, though shadowed by mistakes, remained firmly in the rearview mirror as he focused on shaping a brighter future.

At 49 years young, Michael carried with him a lifetime of challenges and setbacks, including a felony conviction and time served. Yet, amidst his trials, Michael emerged as a beacon of positivity and dedication. A silent force within the program, he stayed behind after class, tidying up and ensuring everyone’s safety, his quiet demeanor masking a wealth of wisdom and resilience.

For Michael, completing the Getting Ahead program in December 2022 marked a profound milestone. It was the first time he tasted the sweet victory of accomplishment, a moment of pride that radiated from his being. Framing a photo with his facilitator, Michael immortalized the moment, a testament to his journey and newfound sense of achievement.

Driven by his facilitator’s encouragement and the support of his fellow graduates, Michael dared to dream of a brighter future. Conversations about returning to school gently nudged him toward the possibility of pursuing his high school diploma. With each Staying Ahead session attended and every conversation with allies from the Excel Center, Michael edged closer to realizing his aspirations.

After nearly two years of perseverance and determination, Michael seized the opportunity to rewrite his story. Enrolling in high school was more than a milestone; it was a testament to his unwavering resolve and the transformative power of education. As news of his enrollment spread, smiles of pride and joy illuminated the faces of those who had walked alongside him. Michael’s journey was far from over, but with the skills and resources gleaned from Getting Ahead and Staying Ahead, he was primed to forge a future brimming with promise and possibility.

‘Eggstraordinary’ generosity

“Pay it forward. That’s what it’s all about, right?” Steve’s actions beautifully embody the essence of paying it forward and the principles of community support and empowerment. By generously sharing his abundance of fresh eggs with his fellow Henry County Getting Ahead investigators, he not only demonstrated kindness but also exemplified the core values of the program.

In the context of Getting Ahead, participants like Steve are encouraged to evaluate their own resources and capacities while also recognizing the strengths and potential of their community members. Steve’s act of sharing his eggs symbolizes this belief of mutual support and collaboration. It’s not just about individual progress; it’s about lifting each other up collectively.

Moreover, Steve’s gesture illustrates the ripple effect of generosity and support. By giving to his class, he fosters a spirit of reciprocity where others may feel inspired to do the same. This creates a positive cycle of empowerment and assistance, where everyone contributes what they can and benefits from the collective effort.

Ultimately, Steve’s actions showcase the transformative power of community-driven initiatives like Getting Ahead, where individuals like him actively apply the principles they learn to make a meaningful difference in their own lives and the lives of those around them.

Small steps, big victories: The power of Getting Ahead

During a recent Staying Ahead session (Staying Ahead complements the Getting Ahead program, a free 16-week program empowering participants to evaluate their resources and move from poverty to self-sufficiency), one participant shared a significant milestone: her daughter’s enrollment in daycare. While it might not seem like a major achievement at first glance, it marked a tremendous triumph for both mother and daughter. In the initial weeks of attending Getting Ahead, the daughter, whom we’ll refer to as R, struggled with separation anxiety, often crying for her mother, and refusing to stay in the childcare room. This understandably left the mother feeling overwhelmed and distracted. However, by the third week, a remarkable transformation occurred: R eagerly dashed into the playroom, thrilled to reunite with her newfound friends, while her mother was left pleasantly surprised as R waved her off to join in the fun.

Reflecting on their journey, the mother attributed the successful first day at daycare to their experiences in Getting Ahead. While there were a few hiccups, such as R feeling a bit apprehensive during nap time, she persevered and completed the day. Encouraged by this progress, the mother outlined three new goals during our session: ensuring R’s continued attendance at daycare, securing a job at the nearby McDonald’s (mom is still a little nervous), and eventually purchasing a car to ease their reliance on public transportation. This story exemplifies just one of the recent instances showcasing the profound impact Getting Ahead has on families. I’m confident that if you were to check in with us in 15 years, you’d witness the enduring influence Getting Ahead continues to have on R and her family. Its effects span generations, illustrating its invaluable contribution to community empowerment and resilience.

Finding strength in community

As part of the Staying Ahead curriculum, participants set SMART goals to help them progress. Staying Ahead complements the Getting Ahead program for graduates by providing essential resources at no cost. It fosters connections, builds social capital, and helps participants discover their passions and purpose, keeping them focused on shaping their future. David set a goal to quit smoking.

David had been a smoker for 45 years, and despite several attempts to quit, including quitting for eight months, he continued smoking. He shared, “I’ve been reflecting on my life and the promise I made to my family after my heart attack to be better. Then in class I saw the stress others dealt with and thought I could do better. So, when it was time to make our SMART goals, I knew what mine was, and with the support of my family and the class, I know I’ll keep it.”

The aha! Process Getting Ahead program engages investigators (participants) in exploring the realities of poverty in their communities and how those realities impact them. They also explore the causes of poverty, the “hidden rules” of economic class, and ways to develop resources and build stable lives. Getting Ahead graduates build relationships across class lines and often join the decision-making tables in their communities.