Fannin County, Texas -- During the sixteen-week program "Getting Ahead in a Just Getting’ By World", participants known as investigators examine their own experience of inadequate resources and explore issues in the community that impact success − banking, housing, jobs, transportation − providing critical information the community can use to take action to end the cycles of poverty.
On Monday, November 15 the current group of investigators experienced one of the most powerful nights of each Getting Ahead session when they sat down with community officials and discussed our community’s ability to provide a high quality life for everyone, including people in poverty and near poverty.
The Community Assessment night provides the Getting Ahead investigators a chance to learn first-hand about community resources in addition to establishing contact with community leaders who can help them on their way.
Three workgroups were assembled on Monday evening to assess the opportunities for everyone in the county.
Workgroup #1 assessed Economic Conditions, Education Conditions, and Jobs, Wages and Wealth with Lisa Dickerson of Workforce Texoma, Marlene Phillips of Grayson County College, and Bonham Councilman Michael Evans. They also had input from BISD.
Key issues identified were the lack of affordable housing and the need for more non-entry level jobs in our area.
Workgroup #2 discussed Housing Conditions, Protection from Predators, and Financial/Banking Conditions with Chief of Police Mike Bankston, Bryan Peeler of Fannin Bank, District Attorney Richard Glaser, and Melody Michaud and Lisa Williams from Texoma Housing Partners.
Affordable housing was a major concern with this group as well, along with the growing number of online and social media predators.
Workgroup #3 delved into Health Conditions and Public Sector Conditions with County Judge Randy Moore, Judy Fullylove of TCOG, and Lindsey Prince, Licensed Professional Counselor. The need for convenient transportation services to provide easier access to healthcare and other services was a top priority, in addition to the need for mental health care that is affordable and accessible in Fannin County.
The evening closed with all community officials forming a panel to answer final questions and consider how our community can do more to assist those living in poverty.
Getting Ahead Fannin County is grateful to the community officials who took the time to participate in this event.
The current Getting Ahead investigators will graduate on Saturday, December 11 in a special ceremony at 2:00 pm at First Presbyterian Church in Bonham. Applications are now being accepted for the 2022 spring class which begins in mid-February. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/GettingAheadFanninCo or call 903-213-3750.