In the U.S. 18 percent of the population, nearly 50 million Americans, lives in poverty. That is an increase of seven percent since 2000. More than 250 communities across 50 states use Aha! Process concepts to combat poverty at the individual, community and institutional levels. Aha! Process’s annual Addressing the Challenges of Poverty conference brings together local and national groups to explore best practices to alleviate poverty.

On October 6, Findlay residents Julie Brown, Program Director at the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation, and Angela Crist, CEO Findlay Hope House, will present a session at the conference titled “Agency and Funder: How a Bridges Partnership Planted the Seeds of Change.” The session details the success of the partnership between the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation and Findlay Hope House in advancing the Bridges Out of Poverty program in Hancock County.

Community Foundation President Katherine Kreuchauf said, “The grants from the Madelaine Thomas Schneider fund help Hancock County residents and agencies truly understand how difficult it is for families with few economic resources- a reliable car, affordable child care, or good health- to navigate and thrive. These types of programs show the most promise for helping everyone understand and deal with the root causes of poverty and barriers to family economic stability.”

Crist said, “It’s an exciting honor to get to share the work of Hope House, in partnership with The Community Foundation, of advancing Bridges Out of Poverty in Hancock County with a national audience.”

Dr. Ruby K. Payne, president of Aha! Process, said, “This event will showcase some of the exciting work being done by our partner communities so that everyone working on the front lines of poverty can benefit.”  Aha! Process works across all sectors of a community to address the root causes of poverty, support individuals as they build resources, and achieve a sustainable community where everyone can live well. For more than 15 years, Bridges Out of Poverty constructs have helped communities and organizations around the world better understand poverty and eliminate barriers for thousands of under-resourced individuals.