Podcast: Schenectady Bridges works toward long-term community change

If we tell our Schenectady story, the turning point really took place in around 2009. That’s when we connected with Bridges Out of Poverty. So many of the breakthroughs we have had in Schenectady are directly connected to our partnership with aha! Process and other Bridges communities around the country.

I’d like to open with a story, and this story involves a Getting Ahead program that we run in Schenectady County at the drug court.

Now, most of you probably know what a drug court is. Here in Schenectady County it is that final stop before you go to jail or prison. These are for folks who have committed criminal offenses, have substance abuse problems, and the criminal justice system says, “We’re going to give you one more chance here. And if you engage and complete this program, you do not have to be incarcerated.”

We have found Getting Ahead to be a great vehicle for the judges and those who run drug court. At a recent graduation, one of the graduates came forward, and here’s what he said: “First of all, I never thought I would be in a courtroom and people would be cheering for me…”

To hear more, listen to the podcast.

Michael Saccocio2020-06-10T15:15:24-05:00January 19th, 2018|Community|

About the Author: Michael Saccocio

Michael Saccocio is the Executive Director of City Mission of Schenectady (NY). Over the course of his leadership, the Mission has added several new programs and engaged in an $8 million capital expansion and neighborhood revitalization effort. His work in helping people move from poverty to self-sufficiency and community leadership is featured in the books Vision to Action: Best Practices to Reduce the Impact of Poverty, (Volumes 1 and 2), andwas included in an issue of the Stanford Social Innovation Review. He speaks extensively throughout the region and nation on topics of leadership, faith and community collaboration.