Stroudsburg, PA – Due to the current economic decline, it is clear that individuals and families are truly struggling and that resources for assistance are shrinking throughout the state. Now, more than ever, it is essential that human service agencies work together to bring about change in their community.
On May 12, 2011, Pocono Alliance will host the “Understanding Poverty” seminar from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm. at East Stroudsburg University. Dr. Judith Bell of Volunteers of America of Northern Louisiana will offer powerful and thought-provoking insights on the issues of poverty to promote awareness, understanding and strategies to help move people from poverty.
If you do not live in poverty, you may be unaware of the “hidden rules” that govern many aspects of life for the poor. People in poverty are often in survival mode, where the future holds no promise, and support systems taken for granted in middle class and wealth are nonexistent. If your business, agency, or organization works with people from poverty, only a deeper understanding of their challenges and strengths will help you partner with them to create opportunities for success.
The seminar, based on relevant materials from Ruby Payne’s book, “Bridges Out of Poverty”, a powerful tool designed for social, health and legal services professionals, has implications for everyone including education, social services, healthcare, law enforcement, corrections, business, faith based and government. The goal of this important seminar is to facilitate respectful and meaningful dialogue on the issues that will lead to positive change in how we view poverty and, more important, how we can support those people who suffer and live within its grasp.
This seminar has been made possible due to the generous support from the following local businesses; Access Office Technologies, East Stroudsburg University’s Sociology Department and Sociology Club, Pennstar Bank, sanofi pasteur, Vigon International, Monroe County Habitat for Humanity, Monroe County Transit Authority, PNC Bank, CareerLink of Monroe County, ESSA Bank and Trust, Greater Pocono Chamber of Commerce, KNBT Division of National Penn Bank, Northampton Community College, PA State Representative Rosemary Brown, State Farm Insurance – Frank Burns, and the United Way of Monroe County.
The Understanding Poverty seminar is $25 per person and includes training materials and a continental breakfast. Pre-registration is required and spaces are limited for the training. For more information on the program, contact Pocono Alliance by email at poconoalliance@co.monroe.pa.us or call (570) 517-3953.
Pocono Alliance’s mission is to improve the quality of life in Monroe County by identifying human service needs and working towards solutions. Pocono Alliance has four coalitions; Education, Health, Housing and Transportation; that serve as the table in which representatives from local agencies, education systems, government and service providers in our community identify human service needs, assist with program development and deliver services in Monroe County.
