The San Juan Bridges Project is based on building social capital. This 15 week course is a formal program which moves people out of poverty to self-sufficiency. The program is meant to bring hope and encouragement to those living in poverty.

“If it had not been for the class, I would still be in the same boat I was last year. I have paid off three pay day loans. I am no longer afraid to pick up the phone. Thanks to the class, I have opened my mind to new ideas and made many friends.” - Nicole Medina, Bartlesville, OK

"...we already know the participants have maintained 100% job retention rate while showing a decrease in credit card debt and payday lending loans. Despite the participants only showing a modest increase in salaries, they learned how to manage their money more effectively and avoid falling prey to predators” - Gina Elias, Executive Director for Building Bridges, Bartlesville, OK

Read more success stories of the Bridges Program here.

This 15 week course in which people (investigators), along with a facilitator, look into the possible reasons they are in a poverty situation. They begin to realize the resources they have, the resources they need, and the resources available to them in the community. Those who go through this program build a future picture for themselves, and are put in contact with people in the community (mentors) who may be able to help.

These classes are free. In fact, those who participate will be paid a weekly stipend for their participation and time. Those who complete the course will find the value of the class is much more than the money they recieved while attending; instead, they will view their life in a new way and will be on a journey to enrich themselves and their families.

Bridges helps a community:

  • Understand poverty's impact on people and communities
  • Reduce poverty rates
  • Improve retention rates
  • Reduce staff burnout, cynicism, and absenteeism
  • Create employment opportunities
  • Improve economic development and community sustainability
  • Improve front-line services
  • Reduce homelessness
  • Start a Circles™ Initiative

 


BHP presents a check to the San Juan Safe Communities for their Getting Ahead program. This program is designed to help people step out of poverty and "Get Ahead" in life.

What is poverty?

Bridges defines poverty as, "The extent to which a person does without resources (which results in a chronically stressful, unstable and unpredictable environment)." The experience of generational poverty is different than situational poverty.

What is self-sufficiency?

Our Members are considered economically self-sufficient when they can support themselves and their families without any additional assistance such as food stamps, Medicaid, day care vouchers, money from family members or any other type of support.