Ruth's Boutique Lunch and Learn and Pop Up Boutiques
These programs provide essentials to the whole family allowing them to continue to go to work and school. Shoppers can pick out their own items for free and express their individuality. A free meal is offered and there is a speaker who provides a short talk on their discipline. Ruth's Boutique Lunch and Learn occurs on the first Saturday of every month from 10:30- 12:00.

Pop Up Boutiques bring the essentials to the community. Those who have barriers accessing items due to transportation or other factors can shop in their own space. Ideal sites for Pop Ups: Senior Centers, Community Centers, Food Pantries, etc. Call to schedule a Pop Up Boutique at your site. 330-980-0729.

Getting Ahead in a Just Gettin' By World and Staying Ahead
Getting Ahead is a 16-20 week class for adults who want to learn how to get ahead in their lives. Financial literacy, capacity building and future planning are a big part of this. In this program, barriers are removed by offering a meal, incentives and more! This allows the participant to truly absorb the information. Those who want to move forward in the process can attend Staying Ahead meetings. These occur once a month, often with a speaker, and build on the skills already taught. Those in this program become mentors to others and the focus is on volunteering, community service and continued individual growth. Many Staying Ahead participants have facilitated a Getting Ahead group!

Mental Health First Aid
This class is offered to equip everyday folks with the tools to help someone in crisis. We are more likely to come across someone having a mental health issue than a heart attack. This program assists in having the tools to help someone in need get to the professionals that can help them. Many organizations will qualify for a free class. Call to schedule for your business, group or church 330-980-0729.

Bridges Out of Poverty

Bridges Out of Poverty is a nationally recognized framework that helps organizations and communities understand the impact of poverty and create effective strategies to support individuals, strengthen relationships, and improve outcomes.

Why It Matters

Empowers staff and leaders to understand hidden rules across economic classes
Improves communication, engagement, and outcomes with clients, students, and employees
Builds common language and tools to reduce barriers and increase collaboration
Enhances diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies

Who It’s For
Businesses • Nonprofits • Schools • Faith Communities • Government • Civic Organizations

Fee-for-Service Options

Half-day or full-day trainings
Custom workshops for staff development
Ideal for strategic planning, onboarding, or community engagement

Bonus: Build Internal Capacity
Once trained in Bridges, your organization may be eligible to implement Getting Ahead in a Just-Gettin’-By World, a program that equips individuals to build self-sufficiency, leadership, and hope. Call us to discuss options for your organization!