Bridges to Opportunity is a community initiative that includes representation from: all economic classes, faith based communities, higher education, law enforcement, housing, the school system, social services, Getting Ahead graduates and investigators, Resource Partners, Facilitators, business, the community action agency, government, child care and more.

In addition to the grant support from the Local Management Board, funding was received from County United Way, Community Trust Foundation, a private donor, and Western Maryland Health System. In-kind support was received from numerous volunteers and organizations, including:

• Allegany County Human Resources Development Commission: Facilitation of child care and transportation services for Getting Ahead, Engagement in housing and transportation committees, Kept Bridges linked with Rural Impact, Active participation in Steering Committee/workgroup, Help promote and engage residents, Serve as subject expert for the initiative and workgroups, Expungement support, Certified facilitator and presenter, Financial literacy training, and refreshments for Getting Ahead
• Allegany College of Maryland: Numerous representatives from Allegany College have been engaged in Bridges to Opportunity since the inception. The College President serves on the Steering Committee, Advocacy of Bridges throughout institution-presentations, grant requests, and engagement of students, Certified facilitator and presenter, Financial aid for graduates, and facility for Getting Ahead, Service support from Pathways, Adult Education and GED, WEX, Work Keys, Academic Advising
• Western Maryland Health System: Facilitator for overall initiative including Steering Committee, all workgroups and committees for housing and transportation, website maintenance, printing, Active participation in Steering Committee, facility for meetings, point of contact for information and fiscal agent for grant support. Certified facilitators and presenters
• Allegany County Public Schools: Active participation in Steering Committee/workgroup, Certified facilitator and presenter, Recruitment of youth for focused discussions and engagement in planning for service learning and youth engagement.
• Frostburg State University: Active participation in Steering Committee/workgroup, and exploration of proposed service learning and academic connections to Bridges, Engagement in research efforts with FSU Social Work program
• Allegany County Health Department: Supplies for Getting Ahead class, Certified facilitator and presenter, Active participation in Steering Committee/workgroup
• Allegany County Department of Social Services: Active participation in Steering Committee/workgroup, Certified facilitator and presenter, Training of DSS staff, Poverty Simulation
• Cumberland Housing Alliance: Engagement in transportation and housing committees, promotion of Getting Ahead to residents, Facility for Getting Ahead class
• City of Cumberland: Engagement in housing committees, Promotion via Human Relations Commission, Certified facilitator and presenter
• MyBank: Active participation in Steering Committee/workgroup, Steering Committee Chairperson
• AHEC West (pka-Western Maryland Area Health Education Center): Active participation in Steering Committee/workgroup, Recruitment of Getting Ahead Participants, Creation of resource tips, Certified facilitator and presenter
• County United Way (Allegany County): Active participation in Steering Committee/workgroup, Advocate for initiative and campaign to address poverty (Rotary Radio Days), Certified facilitator and presenter,
• Allegany County Public Libraries: Active participation in Steering Committee/workgroup, Space for events
• Community Trust Foundation: Active participation in Steering Committee/workgroup, Coordinate Small Dollar Loan Program
• ACT Personnel: Assist Getting Ahead graduate with background check
• Al-Gar Federal Credit Union: Implement Small Dollar Loan Fund
• City of Frostburg: Participated in focused discussions with youth, provide facilities, helps with promotion
• Friends Aware: Certified facilitator and presenter, Active participation in transportation committee
• Allegany County Government: Active participation in Steering Committee/workgroup
• North Branch Correctional Institution: Active participation in Steering Committee/workgroup, Backgrounds checks for Ally

Partners

• Maryland Dept. of Education/Division of Rehab Services: Engaged in planning for service learning and youth engagement.
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• Allegany County American Job Center: Support for Getting Ahead graduates, help with promotion and outreach for program

100% of the disconnected youth engaged in the class project developed capacity and motivation. Among all engaged youth, 50% reported gaining a skill and 20% increasing confidence.