By Hope Oliphant

At Marketplace and Meeting Place, we encounter individuals whose lives have been shaped by barriers, adversity and the effects of trauma. For many, the idea of moving beyond just surviving to actually getting ahead — earning a living wage, gaining stability  and building a better future — can seem impossible. But even with the weight of these challenges, there is hope. The Getting Ahead class offers a path forward, a chance for lasting change, and a reminder that no one has to do it alone. While our life challenges can leave a lasting impact on us, we all have the capacity to develop resilience and forge paths to healing, growth and writing a new future story. 

The Getting Ahead in a Just-Gettin’-By World curriculum and the supplemental classes on Adverse Childhood Experiences and Building Resilience are designed to help individuals take a deep, transformative look at their lives — not just to address the immediate struggles, but to step out of the cycle of daily crisis and begin imagining a more sustainable future. In a safe, facilitated group environment, participants discover new possibilities and gain the tools to break free from the patterns that have held them back. 

In today’s world where the stress of life often narrows the focus to just surviving the day, Getting Ahead helps participants broaden their perspective. They become “investigators” of their own lives, discovering strengths, building new relationships and uncovering resources that can empower them to rewrite their futures. The process isn’t just about individual growth — it’s also about building connections with others who understand the challenges they face. Participants share their experiences, support one another and work together to find solutions. 

The class is led by trained facilitators, many of whom are graduates of the class themselves and who serve as both mentors and guides. These leaders create a supportive, collaborative space for participants to heal, grow and share the wisdom gained from their life experiences with one another. 

Over the course of 15-18 weeks, participants embark on a journey of self-discovery and planning. Each class starts with a shared meal, creating a sense of community and belonging. Participants also have access to free childcare, and receive a stipend upon completion — an incentive that helps us as an organization better understand and shape our future direction, based on their feedback.

2023 Impact of the Getting Ahead (GA) Program :

• Thirteen graduates completed our English-language GA class, while 12 graduated from our Spanish-language GA class.
• Eight GA graduates now serve in leadership or advocacy roles within our community.
• Two graduates transitioned from homelessness to safe and secure housing.
• 56 percent of our market staff are graduates of the Getting Ahead program, demonstrating the program’s success in creating local employment opportunities.
• 70 percent of participants experienced stronger relationships and healthier role models, with the remaining 30 percent reporting stable social connections.
• 78 percent of participants experienced measurable improvement in their financial resources, while 100 percent either maintained or improved their financial situation.
• 80 percent of participants reported improvements in their emotional resources, while the remaining 20 percent maintained stable emotional well-being.

Expanding our reach

Thanks to funding from the United Way Grant, we’ve been able to expand the program to include a Spanish-language version as well. This is a significant step forward in reaching a critical, underserved population in our community — and it will help us make an even greater impact. 

Your support makes a difference

Now, more than ever, your support is essential in helping us build a healthier, thriving, and more equitable community. By contributing to the Rowan County United Way, you’re not just giving to a program — you’re helping create opportunities for individuals and families to break free from cycles of poverty and achieve lasting success. 

Together, we can cultivate a stronger and healthier community so that all may thrive.

Hope Oliphant is executive director at Main Street Marketplace and Meeting Place.