Getting Ahead graduate Jessica Rittenour has turned a hobby into a business that’s bringing in enough to ease the burden of bills. All it took to get started was a little encouragement and support from Common Heart’s Success Coach Jen Savage. 

“Sometimes people just need someone to tell you ‘I believe in you, you can do it’ and ask the question ‘what’s standing in your way?’ That’s when it gets really exciting,” Jen said. 

After several years of serving on PTO boards at her children’s schools and managing their social media accounts, Jessica said she learned that not only did she enjoy working with social media – she was good at it. She wondered if she could turn this passion into a job to help support her family – and she has! 

Simple Solutions CLT  is up and running with two paying clients so far and a third in the works with a fellow Getting Ahead grad who is starting a home baking business. Jessica’s meetings with Jen about her goals are helping her move toward that $500 deposit into an emergency savings account as part of our Emergency Savings Incentive Plan.

Jessica and her husband, Dee, have three children and learned about Getting Ahead from a flyer in their Thanksgiving basket last year during Common Heart’s Great Turkey Countdown. The food pantries are a lifeline for them because Dee is disabled and unable to work. He is a GA grad now too – graduating just last week.  

“Having outside validation is so important. My family said it was a good idea, but was it? I think I just needed someone else – a third, neutral party – to give honest feedback,” Jessica said. “Jen was that person for me and I’m so grateful.” 

During the 19-session Getting Ahead program, participants like Jessica & Dee 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. 

GA graduates are also eligible for free success coaching to help them achieve the goals they set for themselves. Our innovative Emergency Savings Incentive Plan allows graduates to earn a $500 emergency savings account as they build skills needed for success.

“I was in my little bubble and Getting Ahead pulled me out,” Jessica said. “It’s a big commitment but so worth it. Look how much has changed in my life and my family’s life. When you invest in something like GA just look at what doors open up to you and all the resources you get.” 

If you think you would benefit from Getting Ahead, apply online at Getting Ahead – Common Heart. Participants receive a $35 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 704-875-7887 or email GA@CommonHeart.org with any questions. 

If you would like to help support the GA program with meal donations, email EmpowermentOutreach@CommonHeart.org. Speakers are also needed to share expertise during monthly resource meetings.