‘Community where everyone matters’: Second class graduates from Getting Ahead program

Posted 9/18/20

Making a difference in the community was at the forefront as the Mexico Sustainability Project’s Getting Ahead graduation, held Tuesday, Sept. 8 at St. John’s Lutheran Church. It was a special …

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‘Community where everyone matters’: Second class graduates from Getting Ahead program

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Making a difference in the community was at the forefront as the Mexico Sustainability Project’s Getting Ahead graduation, held Tuesday, Sept. 8 at St. John’s Lutheran Church. It was a special night, recognizing the program’s second graduating class.

The Getting Ahead program curriculum provides support to people in poverty as they create their own plan for stability.

Nine area residents graduated: Renee Alksnis, Laura Kessler, Travion Taylor, Anne Fulton, Sara Kuda, Raynelle Wardlow, Cameale Kaiser, Rosita McQueary and Shanna Wheaton. Class facilitator is Carolyn Lewis.

Cheri Erdel presented certificates to each student. Pastor Don Sonntag, St. John’s Lutheran Church gave the welcome and invocation. Dana Keller, executive director of Mexico Area Chamber of Commerce, and chairman of the Mexico Sustainability Project provided an overview of the project during proceedings.

Graduates took part in a 16-week class to identify better ways to communicate, manage money, set goals, improve relationships and share ideas. Classes and the Mexico Sustainability Project use the “Framework for Understanding Poverty” from Dr. Ruby Payne of aha! Process. Classes provide participants with valuable resources, including the opportunity to network with community and business leaders, attend city council meetings and fine arts productions, and take part in mock job interviews. Like most things happening in 2020, COVID-19 has impacted some program components. And it also delayed graduation, which was originally set for May.

As a class graduate, facilitator Carolyn Lewis cites the program as a testament to the community and its leaders.

“We’re in a community where everyone matters,” Lewis says. “For the community to seek out resources for those who don’t have them says, ‘We want everyone to be on an even playing field’.”

Getting Ahead classes were introduced in 2019. Anyone interested in participating in future editions is encouraged to stop by the Mexico Area Chamber of Commerce to pick up an application.

The Getting Ahead program is made possible through the support of many citizens, organizations and businesses. Supporters include Audrain County Commisioners: Steve Hobbs, Tracy Graham, Alan Winders; Audrain County Health Unit, Barb Wilson, Audrain County Cattlemen’s Association, Cheri Erdel Bible Study, CMCA- Central Missouri, Community Action, Chad Shoemaker, Dagwoods, Deb Haag, Dana Keller, Dene Myers, Dolly Jesse, Donna Jacobs, Gamma Lambda Sorority, Emonston Foundation, Gtriffin Foundation, First Presbyterian Church, Gamma Lambda Sorority, Gold Crest, James Circle- Mexico, United Methodist Church, Jacob and Dawn Shellabarger, Jason and Jennifer Silver, Josh and Molly Hanley, Justin and Mel Hamm, Mike and LeAnn Sharpe, Mathew Kreyling, Melissa Holman, Mexico Jaycees, Mexico Area Community Foundation, Mexico Sustainability Project Board, Pratt’s, Progress Mexico, Rita Jackson, Rush Hill Community Church, St. Brendan Prayer Group, Connie Robley, Sundy Fuemmeler, Gina Gilman, Lura Williams, Barb Wilson, Kensey Russel, Kerri Brandow, Russell Runge, Steve Redmon, The Carlson, Steve Redmon, St. John’s Lutheran, Board of Fellowship, St. John’s Lutheran, Mexico Youth, Underground (YUG), Summer Williamson, Trena Riechers and United Credit Union.


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