Poverty 101

Tracy PalecekNCC, LPC,QMHP, LSWA

Prosperity Initiative Program Director

Tracy.palecek@cssrapidcity.com605.348.6086

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Poverty 101 Webinar

What is the Prosperity Initiative?It is a vision created by the John T. Vucurevich Foundation that strives to move

families in Rapid City from poverty to prosperity through a continuum of success from cradle to career by providing resources to the entire family through community collaboration. The Prosperity Initiative is implemented through Catholic Social Services in partnership with Love INC. This program has three components:

Prosperity Coaches NetworkWe train and certify “Prosperity Coaches” in our community. These coaches receive in depth training in the dynamics of poverty in our community. They learn research based methods for enhancing outcomes when working with those who are struggling. We host a monthly meeting to continue training and networking to learn the latest resources available to those we are working with. Perhaps the most exciting benefit of becoming a Prosperity Coach is the ability to refer clients into our direct service program: Pathways to Prosperity. We utilize this amazing network of individuals to help those we serve. We also learn how to frame our work so that it brings us joy and meaning. Prosperity Coaches meet monthly to network, learn about resources, and share client updates. Coaches bring their training back to their businesses and agencies and assist in educating others and shaping policies to better serve those in need.

Direct Service to Individuals and FamiliesWe provide intensive, customized mentoring to individuals and families who are ready to leave the crisis of poverty. We use research-based methods to build relationships and connect people to community services and established community partners who help to remove obstacles to their success. We focus on stability in housing, transportation and childcare, and then to obtaining the job, skill or education necessary to earn a livable wage to provide for their families.

EducationThe Prosperity Initiative is committed to making those in our community “Poverty Informed.” We offer trainings to area schools, businesses, and agencies. We discuss the dynamics of poverty, local statistics, and how to help overcome barriers. We customize the trainings to each audience.

Referral Process

Forms are sent to

Prosperity Initiative

Prosperity Coach fills out Referral Form and has client sign Release of Information

Client is scheduled for Group Staffing at next PI Coaches

Meeting

Client is Eligible

Staff will contact within 7 days to schedule intake

Prosperity Coaches

• A Network of Highly Trained, Extremely Compassionate People who are Fiercely Dedicated to helping individuals and families leave behind the crisis of poverty.

• Have completed the yearly Prosperity Coaches Training• Regularly attend the monthly Prosperity Coaches Meetings (at least 6

meetings a year)• Participate in the wrap around services approach to service by • Commit to having Prosperity Initiative staff provide a brief overview

of the program or a longer training for your agency at least once a year.

• Refers clients into Prosperity Initiative for direct service

Historical Perspectives On Poverty

• Poverty is a crime

• Worthy poor and unworthy poor

• Poverty is a character flaw

• Current model used to address poverty: Eligibility model

Defining Poverty

• Generational Poverty

• Working-Class Poverty

•

• Immigrant Poverty

• Situational Poverty

Media

Lets Talk Stereotypes

Stereotypes People get rich from having babies

on welfare

People do not want to work

Big screen TVs, Nikes, and cell phones

Smoking, drinking, drugs cause poverty

Oral Culture vs.

Print Culture

Oral Culture Seek information through

relationships Communicate spontaneously

and in a circular style Rely heavily on non-verbal

communication and feelings—Can take things personally

Use story to share and gain information

Discard unused knowledge from short term memory to allow for immediate issues to be addressed

Are more physical; touch is a part of learning and communicating

Self-disclose personal information to build relationships

See interrupting as adding knowledge

Print Culture Seek

information through reading

Linear Process Able to

disconnect from immediate environment

Restrict non-verbals

Prioritize blocks of time

Use abstract thought frequently

Are comfortable delaying gratification

Communicate by taking turns

Strategies for Breaking Poverty Barriers

Strengths Perspective Approach

Theory• Every individual has strengths

they can use to reach goals.

Practice• Finding the strengths and

helping them apply to current situation.

• “What are your goals?”

Vs “What is the problem?”

• Encouragement

• From Intake to Completion

Resiliency Theory

Theory• Resiliency is the ability to cope

and continue functioning despite experiencing stress and adversity.

Practice• Framing coping and survival as a

strength.

• Show empathy

Asset TheoryTheory

• The more assets a person has both internal and external, the more likely they are to succeed.

Practice• Taking stock

• Create opportunities to develop internal assets while procuring external assets.

• LONG TERM – achieving and m goals takes time

Pillars of Prosperity

oHousing

oTransportation

oChildcare

oEmployment

oFood Security

oEmotional Support

oSafety Net - Backup

Social Capital Theory

Theory• No one does anything by

themselves. Those who are successful have connections with others who support them in various ways.

Practice• Prosperity Coaches Network.

• Community Partners.

• Teach “the rules.”

• Build connections with those not in the crisis of poverty.

Faulty Attribution Theory

Theory• When we attribute negative

motives to other’s behaviors without knowing the “why” behind their actions.

Practice• Cut the FAT!

• Withhold judgement.

• Find out the “why” behind behavior.

Thank you For Participating!!

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