Got Ahead

From: Jason mehringer
Sent: Tuesday, March 17, 2009 8:27 AM
To: Judith Allee
Subject: GA


Judith,
It is hard to ascertain everything that the GA class did for me but I will give it a shot.

Working with this class first eliminated any bias I may have had constructed towards people in poverty. Working with them one on one demonstrated to me how driven and resourceful the working poor are and how willing and driven they are to elevate themselves, given the proper tools, out of poverty (so many times you hear in society that many are lazy, and working the system). Through my interaction I was also able to look at my problems through a different lens and was able to take their suggestions to help achieve the goals I have placed for myself.

The class really solidified to me that I am on the correct career path and that I truly do want to work within the field of social work and mental health. It helped me set goals of my own and work towards them. The class also gave me a real sense of accomplishment because I learned that I have useful knowledge to assist people in realizing their potential and that I can teach and be a useful member of our community.

Throughout this class I watched as many of the participants blossomed. So many of them started the classes in sweet pants and T-shirts and by the end were dressing up and putting on makeup. This to me demonstrated that many of them had found a new sense of optimism in their life. Many of them also started using a more formal register to speak to both myself and their classmates reinforcing the techniques they had been taught and would need in the world outside of class. Throughout the class I also witnessed many of the class members going above and beyond their assignments and seeking out new information that would be helpful for both themselves and their classmates. They openly supported one another and, if any prejudices were there to begin with, they consciously let them go, excepting each individual as their equal and partner in the fight to reach out of poverty.

I witnessed many of these individuals regain their passion for life and success. The class really seemed to invoke a new type of thinking. Switching from that I can't to I can attitude. The class really fostered positivity in all of us, both teachers and students. The GA class gave them back, I believe, their sense of power over their lives (internal Locus of Control). They already knew it would be a hard road, but through class I saw them realize that things are obtainable. The techniques the class and you taught us all about baby steps to goals are goals themselves, as well as the idea of writing things down, and that learning the language is ever on going and useful endeavor, I believe will continue to be a valuable asset to them the rest of their lives.

Through it all I witnessed a large change in their behaviors. No longer did they seem beaten but charged up for what ever life had to offer them, both good and bad. The same way I feel from participating in the class.

I hope this is what you are looking for Judith the class really did have a profound effect on me, as did you. I am forever grateful that I was able to be a part of the GA class and for the opportunity to work with such a driven and knowledgeable mentor.As a side note how is my letter or recommendation coming??? If you need anything further let me know, I am as ever at your service just as you were there for me. Talk to you soon.

Jason

"Life is either a Daring Adventure or Nothing"
Helen Keller

Changing the Future One Life at a Time

Editor's Note: Getting Ahead In Just Gettin' By World is an 18-session course offered by Judith Allee through Mental Health America's Parent Support (PS) program. In this class, low-income parents create a personal plan for becoming financially stable. What follows is the statement of one recent Getting Ahead graduate who is now helping to facilitate the current class. For more information on upcoming Getting Ahead classes and our other Parent Support programs, please contact Judith Allee at prevention@mhalc.org.

My name is Peggy Wachenschwanz. I am a 34 year old mother of twin 7 year old girls. The “Getting Ahead” class has truly changed my life. Not only my life, but my way of thinking about poverty, my goals and myself.

Before the class, I felt sort of “trapped” in my station in life. I was so used to being “mother” and “wife” that I had stopped thinking of myself. I’d stopped making goals or believing that my life could be different. I had forgotten the joy of learning and growing.

The class inspired me to take my future and my family’s future into my own hands. I learned about social services that I never knew existed! I learned about my own stock of resources and how to expand them. I learned about planning goals and breaking them down to be achievable.

I was empowered. This is knowledge that I now use every day as I strive to meet those goals.

I am excited at this new turn my life has taken and I’m inspired to teach others. I am now volunteering to co-facilitate the next class because I believe so passionately in what this class gives to the students. It’s awe- inspiring.

My family is happier because I am. I will go on to teach my children what I have learned. I feel so blessed to have had an opportunity to take part in the Getting Ahead program.

Thank you!
Peg Wachenschwanz