Bonham, Texas -- The anxious graduates were all smiles, but the goal of this class wasn't just to walk away with a certificate. Their goal is to walk down a path that leads to a better life for them and their families.
Sponsored by Fannin County Criminal District Attorney Richard Glaser and the Fannin County Ministerial Alliance, the class -- Getting Ahead in a Just-Getting-by World -- was devised to help economically disadvantaged residents develop resources that lead to a wholesome and rewarding life.
Eight "Investigators," as participants are referred to, recently completed a 16-week assessment of themselves and their community, including interviews with a variety of professionals and community leaders.
The featured speaker at the graduation ceremony Sunday, December 8, 2019 was Rolanda Macharia, a 2016 graduate of Getting Ahead, who told of her journey to break the cycle of generational poverty.
And Macharia's first step on the road back from addiction and depression?
"I asked God to help me," Greer told the new graduates of the program.
Patty Kreider, class facilitator, gave the opening remarks and Fannin County Getting Ahead Board Chairperson Cindy Godbey told how the development this class had been on her heart ever since attending a Bridges Out of Poverty program.
"You never know what will happen when you say 'yes' to what God calls you to do," Ms. Godbey remarked.
The eight graduates of the first Getting Ahead class held in Fannin County are Melissa Christopher, Laquetta Dukes, Laura Hill, Deborah Messer, Helen Pless, Shana Pless, Veronica Tredway and Renora Williamson.
District Judge Lauri Blake presented each graduate with a personalized writing pen made from local bois d'arc wood.
photos by Allen Rich