Peace Connections News

  28th Cohort of Getting Ahead Graduates! Pictured from left to right: Matthew Gordy, Director Kendra Davila, Crystal Sollenberger, Sarah Bridger, Beth King, Class Facilitator Trianna Cowden, Jeff Browning, Valencia Hernandez, Levi Southern, Benjamin Brown, and Amber Southern. Graduates not pictured: Tammy Southern and MaryEllen Southern.   On August 5th, Harvey County Circle of Hope celebrated the graduation of eleven hard-working students from the Getting Ahead financial management and goal-setting class. This class was proof once again of how impactful this process can be on self-respect and personal determination. This group of people have been faithfully gathering on Tuesday evenings to explore their finances, causes of poverty, developing goals, and building hope for their futures. Now matched with their Volunteer Allies, they are moving on to their next steps: college classes, fitness journeys, home ownership and fiscal stability. These matches will persist for the...

  Just as the signs of change and hope of Spring are appearing outside, so are the hope and signs of change emerging at Circle of Hope! The 26th cohort of the Getting Ahead Financial Management Class is anticipating their graduation and gleefully discussing the possibilities of their future. As the class members got to know each other, they took a deep dive into their finances and various causes of poverty, they discussed the importance of setting goals and discovered their courage and tenacity, encouraged by facilitators Melodie Tucker and Chris Allen. Everyone in the room is working toward something, whether it is building relationships or a stronger financial base, the desire for change is one that unites us all. This dedication, commitment, and drive in each individual is something we are going to celebrate, as each participant is writing hope into the future story. Please help us honor this hard work by joining their upcoming graduation on February 20th at First United Methodi...

(Originally Published Tuesday, May 09, 2023) Jacob Easley first learned about Harvey County Circle of Hope in 2011 through a friend, another program participant, who invited him to an evening program and dinner. Jacob came to the dinner but slipped out before the program. Five years later, Jacob returned to the program with another attendee, but this time he stayed for dinner and the program. He liked what he heard. Jacob quickly signed up for a financial management class offered as part of the robust program. He wanted to learn how to budget, to set goals, AND stick to them! Jacob and five others attended the 15-week Getting Ahead Class where they learned all about financial and social capital, causes of poverty, and re-examined their community.  After the Getting Ahead Class, Jacob was matched with three Allies: John, Marvin, and Deb. These three volunteers walked alongside Jacob as he made progress on his goals, offered insight and advice when needed, and provided a listeni...

  (Originally Published Wednesday, September 20, 2023) The 25th cohort of the Getting Ahead Class for Harvey County Circle of Hope (COH) recently completed the 15-week financial management class. This is the 25th class of courageous individuals who knew they had the potential to write hope into their own future story. They are individuals exploring the discrepancy between what is and what could be. They are now part of a community, 200-plus strong of graduates who are increasing their income, paying off debt, stabilizing their lives, and building better futures for themselves and their families. As the class members learn to manage their money, they are also learning to set goals. One individual noted it was the first time she could remember setting a goal for something that couldn't happen in that same week. That meant building her capacity to plan for the future. The nine graduates were Amanda Pontious, Blake Bowin, Brenda Lee, Gerald Goddard, Ian Long, Julia Long, Rickie Wilbour...

  (Originally Published Tuesday, May 09, 2023) Since Harvey County Circle of Hope began in 2009, the program has been a vital asset for the Harvey County community. Celebrating the 25th cohort of the Getting Ahead Class as Peace Connections celebrates 40 years of positively impacting our community. It is a milestone worth celebrating! There have been many ups and downs, celebrations, and uncertainties during this time, and it seems change is the only constant we can rely on today. We have a new Getting Ahead Class Facilitator to introduce- Melodie Tucker! Tucker graduated from Getting Ahead in February 2022 and has been making tremendous strides toward her goals and building strong relationships with peers. Melodie brings pep and realness to class discussions, offering valuable insight and reflection while fostering meaningful discussions and connections. Her first class is just weeks away from graduating- and we would appreciate your attendance to support this work and recognize t...

  (Originally Published Wednesday, February 01, 2023) Volunteer Gary Moore has a long legacy with Peace Connections- since its inception in 1983. He helped establish the city-wide Recycling Program and has been engaged with the Peace Center ever since. In 2000, when the focus shifted toward alleviating local poverty, Gary joined the initial meetings- the ones that eventually led to starting Circles of Hope - at the McKinley Administration Building. He states, “They brought in people from Missouri and Texas to tell us about the program.” Gary knew it was a worthwhile program but didn’t think he could get fully involved due to the time commitment. However, five years ago when he semi-retired, he decided to jump right into becoming an Ally. Simultaneously, for the past 15 years, Gary led devotionals at the Harvey Co Detention Center, and once he learned that Peace Connections was searching for a facilitator for the Getting Ahead Class, he offered his time and talent to continue the ef...

(Originally Published Thursday, February 17, 2022)    December 2021 saw a graduation rate of 100% for our 22nd Cohort of the Getting Ahead Class. Patricia, pictured below, received her certificate of achievement along with seven others. These class members learned alongside one another for 15 weeks and are already making strong progress working toward their goals. Congratulations to each of them as they continue to build relationships, resources, and resilience. This class also enjoyed the presence of Hesston College Nursing students, all working to complete their community-based medicine practicum. The nursing students were able to share their passion for health, hear stories of lived experiences, and gain insight from the class members.