After eight weeks of evening meetings, the first members of the county wide Morrow Getting Ahead program has graduated.

Referred by agencies including the United Way, Community Action Commission, the Department of Job and Family Services, the Salvation Army and more, group members learned life management concepts.

Each group member became an investigator seeking knowledge that would help them find ways to help them not just get by in life but move towards a healthier, more hopeful, debt free way of life.

Gathering at the First Presbyterian Church for meetings and home cooked meals, investigators and group facilitators became far more than individuals investigating possibilities that would lead them into a fuller and more sustainable way of life: They became a community of hopeful friends!

Knowing that it takes time and practice to become self-sustaining this group will begin attending weekly transition meetings in April. Because of the wonderful and healthy meals they enjoyed from the members of Bryn Zion, Edison Enterprise Baptist, First Baptist, First Presbyterian and Trinity United Methodist churches, they will first work with OSU Extension Morrow County representatives to learn more about cooking fresh wholesome meals for their families. Beginning sometime in May they hope to begin raising their own healthy veggies to use in their meals in a community garden.

The second Getting Ahead group will be forming in September. Any county resident may apply to take part in the program by contacting Jodi Hayes from United Way at 419-946-2053 or Ashley Glass at the Community Action Commission in Mount Gilead 419-946-2009, x661.

Courtesy photo Referred by agencies including the United Way, Community Action Commission, the Department of Job and Family Services, the Salvation Army and more, group members learned life management concepts.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2017/03/web1_gransde.jpgCourtesy photo Referred by agencies including the United Way, Community Action Commission, the Department of Job and Family Services, the Salvation Army and more, group members learned life management concepts.

Staff report