COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) - Helping people help themselves. It happens a lot in Branch County and another example is the Getting Ahead Bridges Out of Poverty Program. The localUnited Waywas able to educate a funder about a program that’s making a difference in our community.

The Walmart Distribution Center in Coldwater made a donation, matching the funds of the Branch County United Way donation for a total donation of $2,000 to the Getting Ahead program, headed up by the Branch County Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The Getting Ahead Program is a local economic stabilization program to help people make their own way out of poverty by providing them with tools and support to help them become financially stable. 

The donations all go toward the Getting Ahead Program which will pay for the workbooks, facilitator, and incentives to make this program a success. There have been 50 people who have already taken the class.  The next one starts Monday at the Laura’s Place Community Room on the grounds of the Branch County Coalition Against Domestic Violence from 5:30-8:00 p.m. 

A meal and child care will be provided.   Pre-registration is required.  If transportation is a problem, there could be possible options with advance notice. If you have questions or would like to contribute to the program, call Kim Hemker at 278-SAFE.  The Branch County Coalition Against Domestic Violence (BCCADV), is headquartered at 220 N. Michigan Ave., Coldwater.