Bridges to Opportunity, a community-driven initiative, uses a multi-dimensional approach to address poverty.The program, through workgroups identifies and addresses community conditions that contribute to individuals falling into and staying in poverty to include: policy issues which hinder individuals from becoming more self-sufficient.Workgroups look at ways to engage youth; improve employment opportunities; affordable housing; quality, affordable childcare; and transportation. The Bridges to Opportunity program features a 16-week Getting Ahead program that helps individuals in poverty build resources.It involves rigorous work done in a safe learning environment with the support of an experienced facilitator and co-facilitator.Participants examine their own experience of poverty as well as explore issues in the community that impact poverty such as, housing, jobs, and transportation. This 16-week program provides participants with concepts, tools, and relationships to enhance self- sufficiency and provides critical information the community can use to reduce poverty.The Bridges to Opportunity Program also features a Youth Engagement Strategy.Utilizing the findings from the youth survey and focus groups held to date, Bridges will use the Core Principles for Engaging Young People In Community Change to establish a strong foundation and create opportunities for youth action.

Opportunity Youth who are not connected to either employment or school. Individuals participating will be recruited through agency partners with flyers, presentation, PSAs, and social media being used to create awareness of the program.