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Our True to Life Ministries philosophy about transitioning out of poverty and overcoming challenging life circumstances isn’t based on good ideas; it’s backed by research. There are many factors causing adults, students, and families to stay stuck. So the solution requires help from multiple sources.
Research shows that for people to transition out of poverty and change the trajectory of their lives, they must grow their resources—and we aren’t just talking about money. Resources must meet emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical needs. These include support systems, relationships, and the capacity to plan for the future. They also must include the foundational ingredients for self-sufficiency and stability which we believe are comprised of these four things:
There are many misconceptions about poverty that can perpetuate stereotypes and hinder efforts to address the issue. Here are some common myths and the truth behind them:
Poverty is primarily a financial challenge.
Poverty is more complex than finances. Earning a living wage is important, but that alone isn’t enough to break the cycle of poverty.
Poverty is simply a lack of money.
Poverty is a multifaceted issue that extends beyond income. While earning a living wage is crucial, it's not the only factor in breaking the cycle of poverty.
People in poverty are lazy or don't want to work.
Many people in poverty work multiple jobs but still struggle to make ends meet.
People in poverty are responsible for their own situation.
Poverty is often a complex issue with multiple contributing factors, including lack of education, job opportunities, affordable housing, and healthcare.
All people in poverty live in the same conditions.
Poverty can manifest in different ways, depending on factors such as location, family structure, and individual circumstances.
Poverty is a personal problem that can be solved with individual effort.
Addressing poverty requires systemic changes and collective action to address underlying issues like inequality, discrimination, and lack of opportunities.
By debunking these myths, we can foster a more accurate understanding of poverty and work toward creating a more equitable and just society.
Individuals living in poverty often face significant challenges in the job market. These barriers can make it difficult for people to secure stable and well-paying jobs, perpetuating the cycle of poverty. Some key issues related to poverty and work include:
Many individuals in poverty lack the education and skills necessary to compete for higher paying jobs.
Job availability may be limited in certain geographic areas, particularly in low-income communities.
Access to transportation can be a significant obstacle for individuals seeking employment.
The cost of childcare can make it difficult for parents to work full-time.
Discrimination based on factors such as race, gender, age, or disability can limit employment opportunities.
Students from low-income backgrounds often face significant challenges in accessing and succeeding in post-secondary education and vocational training. These challenges can be attributed to a variety of factors, including:
Challenges with understanding and navigating the application process, financial aid, and standardized testing.
High costs of tuition, fees, and living expenses.
Difficulties with academic preparation, social adjustment, and time management.
Limited access due to cost, awareness, and transportation barriers.
We work to do this by addressing its root causes and providing comprehensive support to individuals and families in need.
By addressing the complex issues of poverty, TTLM is strengthening our local workforce and economy while creating a brighter future for individuals and families in our community. To help others overcome poverty we work to:
Providing job training, skills development, and career coaching to help individuals achieve economic independence.
Supporting community-based initiatives and partnerships to address social and economic disparities.
Offering resources and support for housing, food, healthcare, and other basic needs.
Through our efforts, TTLM impacts the lives of individuals and families in our community. Thousands of people have been helped significantly as we work to:
