Bridges Out of Poverty

Our mission is to improve the quality of life and promote 
self-sufficiency through community action. 

  • What is Bridges Out of Poverty?

     “I know now that poverty does not have to be passed down like a family heirloom.  Bridges taught me that I can end poverty in my life and for my children.”   ~Testimonial from Bridges Graduate~

    Bridges Out of Poverty is a tool designed for social, health and legal services professionals.  Based on Dr. Ruby K. Payne’s “A Framework for Understanding Poverty,” the program connects service providers and businesses with people living in poverty.

    MCOP offers the “Getting Ahead in a just Gettin’ by World” component several times a year in a 15-20 week class.  It is a step-by-step, life-planning workbook for people in poverty that brings together three primary influences.

    The class is about self-discovery, finding where you are and where you want to be and having the tools needed to get there.  The course also includes Dr. Payne’s work on the hidden rules of class; research on knowledge transfer, and the knowledge of participants living in poverty.

    The course includes relationship building, mentoring, and community collaboration. Each chapter takes participants on a self-discovery journey and offers the tools needed to gain self-sufficiency.  You will begin to explore strategies for engagement that can have a positive impact on people’s lives. 

    For more information, contact Program Coordinator Kim Ruiz at:
     

    734.241.2775 (ext. 204)

    Email: kruiz@monroecountyop.org

     

  • Bridges Community Training

    Bridges includes a Community Training component offering community, agency and business training.  The outcomes of the training include:

    • Redesign programs to better serve the people you work with
    • Build skill sets for management to help guide employees 
    • Upgrade training for receptionists, caseworkers & managers  
    • Improve treatment outcomes in healthcare & behavioral healthcare   
    • Increase the likelihood of moving from welfare to work
        
    For more information, contact Program Coordinator Kim Ruiz at:

      
    734.241.2775  (ext. 204)

    Email:  kruiz@monroecountyop.org

  • Clothes Works

    Clothes Works is a new component of Bridges out of Poverty.  The program helps individuals obtain professional clothing (from suits to work boots) in an effort to assist them in gaining and maintaining employment.  Those interested must have a reference from a caseworker or attend a Michigan Works! Workshop.

    Clothes Works is open from 1 PM to 4 PM Wednesdays in the Benevolence Building at Stewart Road Christian Ministries Center, 1199 Stewart Rd., Monroe.  The building is located behind the church.  Click here to view Map and Get Directions.  

    We appreciate donations to Clothes Works, but only professional clothing and shoes are needed.  Please do not drop off clothes at the church or at MCOP.

    For more information or to make a donation to Clothes Works, contact Kim Ruiz at:

     
    734.241.2775  (ext. 204)

    Email:  kruiz@monroecountyop.org

  • Poverty Simulations, a role-playing opportunity

    MCOP offers Poverty Simulations, a role-playing opportunity.  This experience will deepen your understanding of the daily realities and hard choices facing those living in poverty.

     For more information or to host a simulation please contact Kim Ruiz at:

     
    734.241.2775  (ext. 204)

    Email:  kruiz@monroecountyop.org

  • View our video of testimonials!

    Click below to view a short video of testimonials given by Monroe County residents who graduated from the Bridges Out of Poverty program.

      

    For additional information please contact Program Coordinator Kim Ruiz at:

     
    734.241.2775  (ext. 204)

    Email:  kruiz@monroecountyop.org