ACCE 2012 ConventionBlue Ribbon Panel

Strive2ThriveAlbany, GA’s Vision to Empower Families

Presented by: Ausha Jackson, Program Director

Albany, GA

4th Poorest MSA in the Nation- Forbes Magazine

Albany, GA

4th Poorest MSA in the Nation- Forbes Magazine

Albany, GA

STATISTICS

• Teen Pregnancy Rate – 6th highest in the state• Median Household Income - $34,002• Unemployment Rate – 10.8%• High School Dropout Rate – 44%• Free/Reduced Lunch – 85.5%• Food Stamp Recipients – 24.9%

Albany, GA

The cost to Georgia taxpayers is over

$465 Million

Albany, GA

Who Was Responsible for Addressing Poverty in Albany?

There were well over 600 organizations in Albany-Dougherty County that provide

resources to people in poverty…

Albany, GA

Develop a program with the sole focus of ERADICATING poverty

Albany, GA

CIRCLES™ CAMPAIGN

Move the Mountain

Launched Circles™ in 2007

64 Communities

24 StatesMission: To empower people from

every economic class to solve poverty in their communities through individual

transformation and community change.

Enters…

Strive2Thrive

Getting AheadIn a Just Getting By World

Circle Leaders

Strive2Thrive

Bridges Out of Poverty Training Allies

Strive2Thrive

Circles™Circle Leaders + Allies = Circle

Strive2Thrive

“Magnificent Me” Youth Program

Strive2Thrive

Weekly Community Meetings

Strive2Thrive

Big View Meetings

Strive2Thrive

RESULTS Since 2010, 41 families have enrolled in Strive2Thrive, and…• 37 families successfully completed Getting Ahead (90% success rate!)

Increase in Income –– 11% after 6 months in Circles– 21% after 12 months in Circles– 74% after 18 months in Circles

Strive2Thrive

RESULTS (cont’d)

Increase in Educational Enrollment

– 25% after 6 months

– 64 % after 12 months

– 86% after 19 months

Increase in Overall Assets - 65%

Decrease in Overall Debts – 27%

Increase in Reliable Transportation – 42%

Decrease in Overall Household Use of Public Funds – 12%

Strive2Thrive

RESULTS (cont’d)• 77 Allies have been matched with families• 400+ people have volunteered at S2T weekly meetings• 20+ partner organizations• As of January 1, 2012 S2T is a Regional Training Center for MTM

Strive2Thrive

I Am Only One… But I AM One!

Contact Us

For more information, please call (229) 317-7175 or visit www.strive2thrive.org.