People who want to strengthen their community and help move neighbors from poverty to self-sufficiency are invited to participate in a “Bridges Out of Poverty” workshop that will begin next week at Rowan Helping Ministries.

Designed to explore issues related to poverty and this community’s specific needs, the workshop will be taught by GeoRene Jones of St. John’s Lutheran Church. Jones is a certified trainer for the “Bridges Out of Poverty” course, which is taught nationwide and is based on the book by the same name by Dr. Ruby K. Payne.

“’Bridges Out of Poverty’ provides insight into the challenges that people in poverty face, including cultural differences between the low, middle and wealthy classes that affect the ability of those in poverty to break free,” said Kyna Grubb, executive director of Rowan Helping Ministries.

This course will explore how our community can:

• Remove barriers so that citizens can move out of poverty;
• Reduce the social costs of poverty related to crime, poor health and welfare;
• Improve education levels and job skills
• Enhance economic development;
• Revitalize neighborhoods;
• Build sustainable communities where everyone can live well.

The workshop will help those who work with people in need to understand their perspectives and help them create opportunities for success, Grubb said.

The workshop will be taught in two three-hour sessions. The first session will be offered three times: 9 a.m.-noon on Feb. 3; 1:30-4:30 p.m. on Feb. 4; or 5:45-8:45 p.m. on Feb. 5.

The second session also will have three options: 9 a.m.-noon on Feb. 10; 1:30-4:30 p.m. on Feb. 11; or 5:45-8:45 p.m. on Feb. 12.

Morning sessions will be held at Rowan Helping Ministries’ Crisis Assistance building, 226 N. Long St. Afternoon and evening sessions will be held across the street at the Robertson-Stanback Center, 217 N. Long St.

There is no registration fee, but participants are asked to contribute $20 for the cost of the textbook (payable to St. John’s Lutheran Church).

For more information or to register, contact Jones by telephone at 704-636-3431, extension 219, or by email at georene@me.com