Empowering families to break the cycle of poverty

A recent government meeting highlighted the success of a community program aimed at supporting families living in generational poverty. The initiative focuses on providing a comprehensive support system for children starting as young as two and a half years old, with the goal of guiding them through preschool, after-school programs, and into high school workforce development.

The program has seen significant enhancements over the past year, largely due to funding from the human services fund. This financial support allowed for the transition of Michelle Green, a former preschool director with extensive experience in after-school programming from Memphis, into a full-time role overseeing the after-school initiative. Additionally, the program has successfully hired four full-time staff members to bolster its operations.

A notable aspect of the staffing is that many of the new hires are alumni of the program, having participated as children and now returning as leaders in their mid-twenties. This continuity not only strengthens the program but also fosters a sense of community and mentorship among the participants. The meeting underscored the importance of such initiatives in breaking the cycle of poverty and empowering the next generation.