Getting Ahead Workshop

Getting Ahead is a program that provides education for understanding and breaking the
cycle of generational poverty ― from its financial, psychological and social causes to its
ramifications. This 16-week course, taught by financial literacy and banking
professionals, equips participants to overcome financial challenges and encourages
them to work to build a better future for themselves.
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History
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Getting Ahead was founded in 2004 by Phil Devol, an international consultant, who began the program to help individuals recover from addiction after rehabilitation. Now, Getting Ahead is a global curriculum to help individuals living in poverty to break its cycle and become self-sufficient.
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Mission
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Getting Ahead seeks to empower those experiencing poverty by supplying participants
with skills, tools, and relationships to begin the path toward self-sufficiency.

Through activities and group discussions, participants investigate:
- Causes of poverty
- Hidden rules we all need to know
- Resources to improve life situations
- Strategies for writing a future story
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Quick Facts
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- Catholic Charities of South Carolina began offering Getting Ahead courses in 2018 in Georgetown.
- 35+ individuals have participated in and completed the program.
- All Getting Ahead courses are taught by qualified professionals. Instructors must complete mandatory financial training prior to teaching.
- Age requirement is 18+ to participate in the program.
- Average demographic of participants in SC:
  - Age 20-50
  - Single mothers
  - Residing in Georgetown / surrounding counties
  - Underemployed / unemployed
  - Receiving public assistance
  - Medicaid eligible
  - No secondary education
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Location:
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Georgetown