Fannin County, Texas -- As we ring in the New Year, there are eleven more Fannin County residents poised to move from just getting by to getting ahead. On Sunday, December 11, Getting Ahead Fannin County celebrated the graduation of their fall 2022 class. Eleven participants, known as investigators, completed an eye-opening 16 week workshop for people who lack resources and were recognized for their accomplishments during the ceremony. They joined thirty-seven others who have completed the program since 2019.
The 2022 fall graduates began their work in August with Patty Kreider facilitating their study “Getting Ahead in a Just Getting’ By World”, assisted by co-facilitator Sonya Elmore. The investigators took an in-depth look at themselves and the impact of poverty in their own lives and after a period of self-reflection, they investigated poverty in our community. The session ended with each investigator creating a personal plan, based on his or her goals and dreams, to build a better future.
Kristen Pless, Getting Ahead graduate, was the guest speaker for the graduation ceremony. Pless shared how contacts she made during the Getting Ahead Community Assessment night led to her finding just the right job. Applying skills learned during her spring 2022 Getting Ahead session, she was able to negotiate a good deal on a vehicle, and her family is in the process of acquiring a larger home. Pless encouraged the graduates to apply the concepts they have learned to make a better life for themselves and their families.
Deborah Spindle, graduate from the spring 2022 class, offered words of advice as she passed the torch to the new graduates:
· Know who you are
· Make a choice to see the world differently
· Do not stop
Spindle shared how her Getting Ahead journey empowered her to start a new career in real estate. Spindle’s family has also been able to purchase a home.
Kreider and Elmore awarded each graduate a certificate and a yellow rose.
District Judge Laurie Blake was on hand to offer words of congratulations and encouragement to the graduates. Blake presented each investigator with an engraved bois d’arc pen custom-made by David Keene.
Graduate Dusty Mangrum said, “This class taught me so much about myself and showed me I could do things I never knew were possible.”
“Getting Ahead has opened my eyes in so many ways and helped me personally and professionally. Thank you!” shared Graduate Kristi Mueller.
Graduate Jayson White expressed gratitude for his Getting Ahead experience and how it has benefited him as a recovering addict.
A reception followed the graduation ceremony.
The Getting Ahead program is for people who are living in poverty or unstable situations. It’s about building economic stability for themselves and a better future for their communities. The idea of “getting ahead” means action and movement – getting ahead of where they are now, toward a future that they really want. The program is sponsored by District Attorney Richard Glaser, the Fannin County Ministerial Alliance and Texoma Regional Foundation. The Getting Ahead Steering Committee is very grateful for the support provided by local businesses and churches. Special thanks go to the Bois d’Arc Creek Cowboy Church for use of their facility for the graduation ceremony, and to Louise Goodwater for the beautiful cake she provided for the reception.
Are you tired of just getting by and are you looking for a way to change your life in 2023? Getting Ahead Fannin County is currently accepting applications for their 2023 spring session, scheduled to begin in February at the Bailey Inglish Early Childhood Center. Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/GettingAheadFanninCo.