Eleven Complete “Getting Ahead” Financial Literacy Program

Eleven happy graduates displayed their certificates for completing the 16-week “Getting Ahead” financial literacy program Tuesday evening at the Lamar Avenue Church of Christ.

Minde Fields, Lacey Hines, Ken Dalby, Lisa Ricks, Ruby Edwards, Diane Harris, Charlotte Edwards, Ashley Macedo, Joseph Harrell, Dee Fisher, and facilitator Natalie Stuart all completed the course and received their certificates.

The program was made possible with funding from the St. Joseph Community Foundation, Lamar Avenue Church of Christ and the St. Vincent De Paul Society. The United Way of Lamar County (UWLC) was the lead agency and organizer of the program.

Executive Director of UWLC Jenny Wilson explains “the Getting Ahead program was successful because the course treats the participants, “the investigators,” as problem solvers and encourages participation. The diverse group makes their own arguments for change and the program is very interactive and real-life focused.”

Wilson adds, “we are so thankful for all of our partners, funders, and volunteers that made this program possible.  The graduates have now been paired with mentors who will work with them for at least the next six months. The mentors include Shelley Landers, Stephen Gerrald, Maggie Kerby, Rochelle Hodge, Rachel Spencer, Megan Nutt, and Rolando de la Pina.”

For more information on the Getting Ahead program or to sign up for the next course, call the United Way office at 903-784-6642.