When Bobby Faulkner first signed up for our Getting Ahead program, he wasn’t sure what to expect.

With five kids and rising prices, life had become especially challenging for Bobby’s family. A flyer at Common Heart’s food pantry led him to the program, and both he and his wife decided to give it a try.

“The first time, I was the quiet guy,” he said with a smile. “I just wanted to see what it was all about.”

What he found was much more than he expected. Bobby has worked for Food Lion for almost 20 years and has been sharing Getting Ahead with his coworkers in the dairy department.

“Every session was different. I met a lot of new friends, and we shared our personal experiences,” he said. “We talked about connections, resources, and who to turn to when you need help. I thought, ‘Wow, this is something special.'”

During the 18-session Getting Ahead program, participants discuss 11 resources that we each need to thrive: financial, emotional, mental/cognitive, language, social capital, physical, spiritual, integrity & trust, motivation & persistence, relationships/role models, and knowledge of hidden rules. 

Poverty isn’t just about money, but it is often the first thing people think of when talking about instability. 

Our Getting Ahead graduates have access to continuous growth through free success coaching and a $500 Emergency Savings Incentive Plan. 

The Getting Ahead experience made such an impact on Bobby that he returned for a second session — this time as a co-facilitator, helping others navigate the same journey. He enjoys encouraging participants to take advantage of the resources available and reminding them that they don’t have to face life’s challenges alone.

“You can take what you learn and pour it into someone else,” Bobby said. “If you’re in a bind, there are people who can help. If they don’t know the answer, they’ll find someone who does. Nobody puts you on the back burner.”

One resource that made an immediate difference for his family was the Wal-Mart gift cards participants receive through the program.

“Things have been really tight,” he said. “I give the gift cards to my wife because she plans our meals, watches for sales, and uses coupons. She stretches every dollar. It helps a lot.”

Today, he encourages anyone who is considering Getting Ahead to take the first step.

“Check it out. You can’t go wrong with it. It’s always a positive experience,” he said.

He also believes the program gives participants something just as valuable as practical resources: a voice.

“I like how (Executive Director) Keith (Adams) says at every graduation that we can make our voices heard by attending city council meetings or sitting on a committee,” he said. “The more voices people hear, the more change is going to come from it.”

If you think you would benefit from Getting Ahead, apply online at Getting Ahead – Common Heart. Participants receive a $40 Wal-Mart gift card plus free dinner and free childcare (if needed) for every session they attend. Graduates have the opportunity to receive free success coaching and earn a $500 emergency savings deposit into a bank account through our Emergency Savings Incentive Plan (ESIP). 

Call Ruth Wilson at 704-870-0012 or email GA@CommonHeart.org with any questions. 

If you would like to help support the GA program with meal donations, call Grace Lotharp at 704-684-9007 or email EmpowermentOutreach@CommonHeart.org.