Getting Ahead

'Getting Ahead in a Just Getting by World' meets weekly over 12-15 sessions to help individuals evaluate their lives and develop the understanding and skills necessary to thrive.

Getting Ahead this fall!

Develop a plan for prosperity, broken down into manageable and achievable steps.

Find out more about GETTING AHEAD below!

Gravenhurst Getting Ahead - THURSDAYS - 6pm - Trinity United

Gravenhurst is now FULL. Sign up for our newsletter to stay informed about the next one!

Dwight Getting Ahead - WEDNESDAYS - 3:30pm - Dwight Branch of Lake Of Bays Public Library

What is Getting Ahead?

Getting Ahead is a weekly 'kitchen table learning experience' for individuals self-identifying as experiencing poverty. Participants, called 'Investigators,' examine where they are now and where they want to be. This includes developing a plan for prosperity, broken down into manageable and achievable steps for both themselves and their community.

Graduates of Getting Ahead may be eligible to become a Leader in Circles®.

Interested? Email Justin: jrichardson@ywcamuskoka.com.

 
 
 

Throughout the Getting Ahead program, participants co-investigate in a safe environment with others experiencing poverty, and enjoy the power that comes from solving problems, controlling their lives and making plans for stability. All Investigators receive incentives including materials, a workbook, meals and a grocery voucher. Transportation support is also available.

Want to sign up? Select the Count Me In button above!

CirclesMuskoka-GettingAheadMeet.jpg
CirclesMuskoka-Gettingahead_couchtalk.jpg

What happens at a session?

During each Getting Ahead session, Investigators, together with a Facilitator and Assistant Facilitator, explore a topic. The facilitators guide the conversation and take Investigators through relevant information.

Over 12-15 weeks, Investigators will:

  • Examine all areas of their lives including resources, attitudes and aspirations

  • Examine the realities of conditions in the community and how they impact investigators

  • Learn skills to raise confidence and do what it takes to get ahead

  • Learn about the hidden rules of economic class and how to navigate around them

  • Investigate how to build resources and make connections in the community

  • Build new friendships with others in the group

  • Share good food and have fun in a confidential and supportive environment.

There is a meal break provided by Getting Ahead, and a grocery voucher is given out at the end of each session.

“Getting Ahead is an amazing program full of amazing people that struggle in the tyranny of poverty. This program has shown me how to better my life and the lives of the people around me. The program information is easy to understand and follow. The help you get from the facilitators is amazing; they will always make you feel welcome and safe. I would recommend Getting Ahead if you are looking to move forward in life”

— Getting Ahead Participant

Getting Ahead is delivered by YWCA Muskoka and funded by:

 
The District Municipality of Muskoka
 

Sign Up for Getting Ahead

When in-person sessions are possible, they are held at venues in the Muskoka community.