Bonham, Texas -- Sunday, December 8 was an exciting day for Getting Ahead Fannin County. Family members, friends, and special guests gathered at Living Word Church of God to celebrate the graduation of their tenth class as well as recognize the nine Staying Ahead participants who completed the Ramsey Financial Peace University.
Six participants, known as investigators, completed an eye-opening 16 week workshop for people who lack resources and were recognized for their accomplishments during the ceremony. They joined seventy-four others who have completed the program since 2019.
The 2024 fall graduates began their work in August with Patty Kreider and Sonya Elmore facilitating their study “Getting Ahead in a Just Getting’ By World”. The investigators took an in-depth look at themselves and the impact of poverty in their own lives and after a period of self-reflection, they investigated poverty in our community. The session ended with each investigator creating a personal plan, based on his or her goals and dreams, to build a better future.
As she passed the torch to the new graduates, Tammy Joplin, graduate from the spring 2024 class, shared her excitement about the changes she has been able to make since her participation in the program. She offered words of encouragement and hope to these individuals just beginning their Getting Ahead journey.
Allison Keller, Grayson County Getting Ahead graduate, was the guest speaker for the ceremony. Keller detailed her escape from a long-term abusive relationship where she was afforded no control over her money or her squalid living conditions. After finding help at a shelter in Grayson County, she saw a flyer about Getting Ahead on the bulletin board and decided to sign up. Her Getting Ahead journey and the relationships that she formed helped her find a job, rent an apartment, and obtain a vehicle. Keller is now thriving with her newfound independence. Quoting Buddy Gott, she advised “Decide what kind of life you want. And then say no to everything that isn’t that.”
Kreider and Elmore awarded each graduate a certificate and a yellow rose. Graduate Cynthia Green was recognized for perfect attendance at all sixteen sessions.
District Judge Laurie Blake was on hand to offer words of congratulations to the graduates. Blake presented each investigator with an engraved bois d’arc pen custom-made by David Keene, as she has done for every graduate since the program began. Judge Blake was recognized for her ongoing support of the Getting Ahead program and wished all the best in her upcoming retirement.
Graduate Christy Bedford said, "To be a part of the Getting Ahead class has been one of the most amazing experiences. The knowledge I learned has been mind blowing and to know I’m able to take this knowledge with me is truly a life changing experience. I’m so amazed to see just how far I’ll be getting ahead with what I know now."
“The Getting Ahead class has help me realize that there are different people from all walks of life who can or have experienced what it is like to live in poverty," shared graduate Bianica Johnson. "As long as you think it through and plan ahead, there is no limit to what you can do in life."
“Getting Ahead has helped me understand that we all are alike yet we are all different!” said Cynthia Green. “With love, understanding and kindness we can thrive and survive.”
After graduation, investigators have an opportunity to participate in the Staying Ahead program which provides activities to help them stay on track with their goals. This fall, First United Bank of Bonham sponsored a Ramsey Financial Peace class with nine Staying Ahead participants. Five employees of the bank gave their time on Monday evenings to facilitate the class. The bank also provided each class member with an online subscription to associated Ramsey tools to help them stay motivated and build good financial habits.
Mary Beth Wilkins, spring 2024 graduate, shared the importance of the Financial Peace class for her life. Mary Beth completed the class previously, but she explained that her financial situation changed dramatically with the loss of her husband. The principles she learned during the class will help her navigate her newly widowed status.
Following the program, the investigators and their guests enjoyed a reception provided and served by the ladies at Living Word Church of God.
The Getting Ahead program is for people who are living in poverty or unstable situations. It’s about building economic stability for themselves and a better future for their communities. The idea of “getting ahead” means action and movement – getting ahead of where they are now, toward a future that they really want. The program is sponsored by District Attorney Richard Glaser, the Fannin County Ministerial Alliance and Texoma Regional Foundation. The Getting Ahead Steering Committee is very grateful for the support provided by local businesses, churches and individuals. A special thank you is extended to Bonham ISD and the Bailey Inglish facility for providing space for Getting Ahead activities.
Are you tired of just getting by and are you looking for a way to change your life in the new year? Getting Ahead Fannin County is currently accepting applications for their 2025 spring session, scheduled to begin in mid-February at the Bailey Inglish Early Childhood Center. Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/GettingAheadFanninCo.
