When Beverly Walker first heard about Getting Ahead she was waiting in line at a mobile food pantry with our friends at the Community Shelter in Monroe. Health issues put her on work disability two years ago and Beverly said she was “in a rut and didn’t know how to get out. My days were spent lounging around the house and I didn’t see a way to overcome that – until Getting Ahead.” 

She says that through Getting Ahead she learned “how to maneuver in life, how to make changes and regardless of where I am in life I don’t have to stay there.” All Getting Ahead participants set goals they want to achieve in the 18 months after the work group ends. On Beverly’s list is getting more active and losing at least 20 pounds, which she knows will help with her knee problems. She also wants to start a catering business. Beverly even told her doctor about Getting Ahead (he was impressed!) and they’re working together to make her health goals a reality. 

Would she recommend Getting Ahead to others? You betcha!! 

 “I would tell anybody go for it. It’s worth it,” she said. “I’ve never shared with a group of people like that. I wasn’t really good with people, but now I’m more open. I think it was a blessing.”