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Getting Ahead, Kay County, Ponca City, OK (2026)

05/08/2026

✨ A Dream Turned Into Action ✨

On May 6, history was made in Kay County as eight individuals graduated from our community’s very first “Getting Ahead” program. What started as a dream more than a year ago became a reality — and many believe it marks the beginning of lasting change in the fight against poverty. The first picture is the graduates, and the second picture is the coalition.

This journey began when Kelli Northcutt, Scott Haywood, and Tara Goldman attended a Bridges Out of Poverty training and learned how communities across Oklahoma were seeing real transformation through the “Getting Ahead” program. They returned home inspired, knowing Kay County needed this opportunity too.

Because the truth is: poverty is at the root of so many struggles our communities face — housing insecurity, food instability, addiction, workforce shortages, mental health struggles, educational gaps, and limited access to healthcare. Until we address the cycle of poverty, lasting change cannot fully happen.

So our community came together.

Organizations, churches, businesses, volunteers, and leaders united with one mission: to help individuals not just survive poverty, but understand it, navigate it, and overcome it.

For 16 weeks, these participants — known as “Investigators” — worked incredibly hard. They studied the systems of poverty, identified barriers in their lives, reflected deeply on their experiences, and built action plans for their futures.

And on May 6, we celebrated them.

One of the most emotional moments of the evening was watching their children witness their parents walk across the stage. These were not just graduates receiving certificates. These were parents breaking generational cycles. Individuals finding confidence, purpose, and hope. Families beginning to rewrite their future.

This program would not have been possible without the incredible support of our coalition members, volunteers, facilitators, sponsors, meal providers, guest speakers, and community partners who believed in this vision from the very beginning.

And this is only the beginning. ❤️

Another class is already planned for January because investing in people changes communities.

If you’d like to learn more or be part of future classes, follow the Getting Ahead Kay County page or email [email protected].

Because sometimes changing a community starts by helping someone believe a different future is possible.

04/29/2026

✨ Night Recap ✨
🧠 The Big Lesson:
This week, our investigators explored different strategies for building resources. Through a tic-tac-toe activity and development worksheet, they identified online, community, and professional tools that can strengthen financial and social capital. The group also reflected on the physical and mental effort required to build these resources, gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities involved.
🌟 Night Highlight:
Participants walked away with practical tools and new perspectives on how to grow their resources, while recognizing the persistence and effort it takes to create lasting change. These conversations continue to build confidence and forward momentum.
🎤 Guest Speaker:
Tim Williams — University Center at Ponca City
🤝 Sponsor of the Night:
University Center
🍽️ Meal Provided By:
Thank you to the University Center for generously providing the meal and sponsoring the evening.
Tim shared valuable insight into the resources available through the University Center at Ponca City, including the benefits of completing a college degree. He also highlighted helpful tools such as FAFSA, Oklahoma’s Promise, and the Show What You Know program—opening doors for participants to continue their education journey.

Each week, this group continues to grow in knowledge, determination, and connection to opportunity. 💛Ads do not influence the answers you get from ChatGPT. Your chats stay private. Learn about ads and personalization

04/14/2026

✨ Week Twelve Recap ✨

🧠 The Big Lesson:
Last night, we continued our investigation into the 11 Resources, using real-life scenarios to challenge our thinking and deepen our understanding. Participants then completed personal self-assessments, reflecting on where they currently stand. Many were surprised to recognize strengths they hadn’t fully seen before—a powerful reminder that growth begins with awareness.

🌟 Night Twelve Highlight:
Through honest reflection and conversation, investigators discovered they often have more resources and resilience than they realize. These moments of insight continue to build confidence and empower participants to move forward with purpose.

🎤 Guest Speaker:
Jeff McKinnon — Cherokee Strip Credit Union

🤝 Sponsor of the Night:
Cherokee Strip Credit Union

🍽️ Meal Provided By:
A big thank you to Cherokee Strip Credit Union for also providing the meal for the evening.

We are grateful for community leaders like Jeff who step up, share their knowledge, and invest in making a meaningful impact. Each week, this journey continues to strengthen confidence, awareness, and hope for the future. 💛

04/06/2026

✨ Night 11 Nightly Recap ✨

This week, our investigators began diving deeper into their own built-in resources as we explored Module 6. We focused on strengths like motivation and persistence, while also discussing the power of relationships, the influence of role models, and building a stronger understanding of social capital.

We also examined the difference between “moving toward” thinkers and “moving away from” thinkers—unpacking the strengths and challenges of each mindset. As always, the room was filled with powerful “aha” moments! 💡

🤝 Guest Speaker Spotlight: Shelley Arrott
Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce

Shelley shared the many ways the Chamber supports our community, emphasizing the importance of networking and how volunteering can create meaningful impact—not just for others, but for personal growth as well.

🍽️ Meal Provided By:
Hospice of North Central Oklahoma, Inc.

Another impactful night of growth, connection, and discovery! 🚀

03/30/2026

✨ Getting Ahead – Week Recap ✨

🧠 This Week’s Focus:
This week in Getting Ahead, we continued diving into the importance of language—and it sparked some powerful conversations.

Participants explored different registers of language and took a closer look at the “parent, child, and adult” voices we all use (often without even realizing it). One of the biggest takeaways was recognizing how these voices show up in everyday situations—and how they can either help or hurt communication.

💬 What We Learned:
• How our language experiences shape the way we communicate
• The purpose and process of mediation—the why, what, and how
• How to use language as a tool to resolve conflict and differences
• The basics of negotiation

💡 There were definitely some “aha” moments this week—especially around identifying the different voices and understanding their impact. Participants also worked through a few small yet powerful investigations that brought these concepts to life.

🍽️ Special Thanks:
A big thank you to Ian Freeman from Pioneer Tech for joining us this week! He shared the many valuable resources Pioneer Tech offers, including the apprenticeship program he helps lead, which provides pathways for individuals to gain hands-on experience and enter the workforce. He also generously provided dinner for the group—we truly appreciate his support!

03/23/2026

✨ Night Nine LAST WEEK Recap ✨

🧠 The Big Lesson:
This week, participants wrapped up Chapter 4: The Importance of Language, diving deeper into how communication styles influence everyday interactions and opportunities. The group explored how shifting between casual and formal language can make a difference when navigating workplaces, schools, and other systems, helping build confidence and open new doors.

🌟 Night Nine Highlight:
We had the opportunity to learn more about First Christian Church (FCC) and the incredible ways they serve the community. From Friendship Feast, which offers free hot meals Monday–Thursday, to their food pantry, Friendship Bikes program, and nightly Narcotics Anonymous (PB4P) meetings, FCC provides vital resources that support individuals and families in many stages of life.

🎤 Guest Speaker:
Bob Corbin — First Christian Church

🤝 Sponsor of the Night:
First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Ponca City, OK

🍽️ Meal Provided By:
Thank you to First Christian Church / Friendship Feast for providing the meal and for your continued support in creating a welcoming and caring environment for all.

Each session continues to strengthen knowledge, confidence, and connection to community resources, and we are grateful to see the growth happening within this group each week. 💛

03/12/2026

✨ Night Eight Recap ✨

🧠 The Big Lesson:
This week, we worked on Chapter 4: The Importance of Language, which focuses on how communication styles impact opportunities and interactions. Participants explored the difference between casual language, often used with friends and family, and formal language, which is commonly used in workplaces, schools, and institutions. Understanding when to use formal language can help people navigate systems more effectively and create more opportunities for success.

🌟 Night Eight Highlight:
We were joined by Jeremy Jones from the Family Resource Center, who shared information about the many programs and resources available to support families in our community. He highlighted services, such as their pantry, which provides essential items like diapers and wipes, reminding participants that support is available and accessible.

🎤 Guest Speaker:
Jeremy Jones — Resource Center

🤝 Sponsor of the Night:
First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Ponca City, OK

🍽️ Meal Provided By:
A big thank you to Bob Corbin with Friendship Feast / First Christian Church for providing the meal for the evening. Your generosity helps create a welcoming space where participants can learn, connect, and grow together.
differences between casual language, often used with friends and family, and formal language,

Each week, this class continues to build confidence, knowledge, and stronger connections to community resources. We are proud of the growth and engagement from this incredible group. 💛

03/05/2026

✨ Night Seven Recap ✨

🧠 The Big Lesson:
This week, we wrapped up the module by reflecting on our own economic class, and it was powerful to see everyone begin connecting the dots to their personal experiences. Participants shared insights, challenged perspectives, and recognized how their backgrounds have shaped their opportunities and decisions.

We then began the next module, focusing on the hidden rules of economic class. There were several “aha” moments as participants started to understand how recognizing these hidden rules can help build stronger decision-making skills, improve communication, and create new opportunities for growth and stability. The discussions were thoughtful, honest, and empowering.

🌟 Night Seven Highlight:
One of our investigators presented his salsa business and shared his passion with the class — even offering a taste test! 🌶️ It was an awesome experience and truly showcased the hope, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit within this class. Watching participants step into leadership and share their goals continues to be inspiring.

🎤 Guest Speaker:
A participating entrepreneur who brought real-life experience, encouragement, and insight into building something from the ground up.

🤝 Sponsor of the Night:
Grace Episcopal Church, Ponca City

🍽️ Meal Provided By:
Thank you to Grace Episcopal Church for generously providing the meal for the evening. Your support helps create a welcoming space for connection and growth.

Each week, this class continues to build confidence, understanding, and hope for the future. 💛

02/25/2026

✨ Weekly Class Recap ✨

This week in class, we explored the mental models of poverty, the middle class, and the wealthy class — and had powerful conversations about how each group approaches challenges, opportunities, and long-term decisions.

One major “aha” moment was recognizing that the middle class can face many of the same struggles as those in poverty. The key difference often lies in access to resources, support systems, and strategies to navigate those challenges. That realization sparked meaningful discussion and reflection.

We also revisited the final four investigations from Model 3 and talked about what personally impacted each of us. It’s always inspiring to see how differently these lessons resonate and how they challenge each participant to think deeper.

I’m especially proud to share that one of our investigators has officially started GED/high school diploma classes — and scored very high on their math exam! 👏 Such a huge step forward and a reminder that growth is happening every single week.

🌟 Guest Spotlight: Work Ready Ponca City
Dondi with Work Ready shared about the job readiness programs available right here in Kay County. Work Ready provides employment support services including resume building, interview preparation, workplace skill development, career coaching, and connections to local employers. Their mission is to remove barriers and equip individuals with the tools and confidence needed to secure and maintain meaningful employment.

🤝 Co-Sponsors of the Night: Work Ready Ponca City& Family Resource Center

🍽️ Meal Provided By: CV Kirk and Kelli Kirk

We’re so grateful for the partnerships, encouragement, and real-life resources that continue to move our investigators forward. 💛

02/18/2026

✨ Night Five Recap ✨

🧠 The Big Lesson:
Tonight’s session focused on political and economic structures. We began by examining predatory business practices and learning how to identify and avoid them. Participants explored the development of the middle class, reviewed data on wage disparities across race, ethnicity, and gender, and discussed the widening income gap between wealthy and low-income populations.

We also analyzed CEO-to-average worker compensation ratios in the United States compared to other countries — which led to several powerful “aha” moments. Seeing the scale of income inequality firsthand created meaningful discussion and deeper understanding.

The class continues to make great progress and remains hopeful about the future. We’re especially excited for one participant who has a job interview tomorrow — a big step forward toward growth and stability! 👏

🏦 Guest Spotlight:
A huge thank you to Samantha Goodno with GRAND Mental Health for sharing the incredible resources available in our community, including child and family therapy. Their wide range of mental health services plays a critical role in supporting families in our area.

🌟 Sponsor of the Night:
City of Ponca City, OK

We’re grateful for the partnerships and conversations that continue to make this program impactful!

Getting Ahead, Kay County

05/08/2026

04/29/2026

04/14/2026

04/06/2026

03/30/2026

03/23/2026

03/12/2026

03/05/2026

02/25/2026

02/18/2026

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