The Traverse Bay Poverty Reduction Initiative (PRI) is a community-driven, collaborative effort to reduce poverty in the Traverse Bay region by 25% by 2010. The program was born out of the Poverty Summit, held in February 2004, in which 225 area residents joined together to address the issue of poverty in our area. Poverty Reduction Initiative consists of representatives from local businesses, public and government agencies, and concerned citizens. Working subcommittees address issues that contribute to poverty: Employment & Wages,Housing,Health Care,Education & Training,Early Childhood and Social Attitudes.
Poverty Reduction Initiative News & Events
Articles from the Previous 90 Days
Why College?
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Never been to college? This helpful presentation will reveal how to get to college and what it's like in college.
Thursday, July 16, 2009, 9:30 AM Manistee Michigan Works! Service Center
Presenter: Kareen Monton, Career Counselor West Shore Community College
You will learn about:
Why you should go to college
Types of schools
Types of degrees
Some of the benefits of going to college
How to pay for it
How to apply
The process after you are accepted - placement testing, registration, etc.
The language of going to college
This presentation is sponsored by Northwest Michigan Works! in collaboration with West Shore Community College. The information will be presented in Cadillac at a future date.
"Opportunity Knocks" The Third Annual Opportunity Conference hosted by the Traverse Bay Area - Poverty Reduction Initiative was a resounding success. Over 300 participants and dozens of volunteers from PRI were in attendance. The conference was designed for people in poverty.
The Opportunity Conference keynote speaker was Dr. Donna Beegle. Donna told her personal story of generational poverty. Everywhere she speaks, Donna provides hope and inspiration for the participants that are fighting a war against that evil villain - POVERTY. Navigators/Mentors and higher education were Dr. Beegle's ticket out of poverty. Navigators were introduced to participants as an ongoing support after the conference. Navigators will guide participants through the maze of services and provide liberal doses of encouragement and support.
Everyone received a prize and the day ended with a grand prize drawing for a car. Plans are already underway for next year.
Poverty Conference: A Call To Action
Friday, May 8, 2009
The Traverse Bay Poverty Reduction Initiative held a two day conference, A Call To Action, May 5-6 to help 21 counties in Northern Michigan learn how to move forward with their own poverty initiatives.
The conference featured Dr. Donna Beegle. Beegle is a poverty expert who spent 28 years living in poverty. In the following video, she talks about the importance of developing programs recognizing the different life experiences of people living in poverty. Poverty Reduction Initiative Co-Chair John Stephenson and Northwest Michigan WORKS! Program Director Jan Warren also talk about fighting poverty in Northern Michigan.
Business and Education in the Fight Against Poverty
Thursday, May 7, 2009
The Business Case For Poverty Reduction
The Role of Education in Fighting Poverty
National Poverty Expert Discusses the Importance of Mentors
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Donna Beegle, PhD. spent 28 years living in poverty before a mentor helped her break the barriers of poverty. See how mentors helped her and others.
Survey of Regional Poverty Presents Profile, Gaps, Gratitudes
In November 2006, a survey of regional poverty was conducted by the Poverty Reduction Initiative (PRI) in an effort to improve understanding and services to this population. Some 14,000 surveys were sent to residents of Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska and Leelanau counties, using mailing lists from human service agencies, and distributing surveys at homeless shelters, community meal sites, and local charities.
Over 1,600 respondents returned the questionnaire with almost 600 taking time to write additional comments. Many were grateful for an opportunity to be heard. "We learned there is no ‘typical' respondent," Survey coordinator Dr. Michael Collins said. "One surprise was to see such low wages despite a fairly high level of education." Collins is a volunteer with PRI and a physician with the Grand Traverse County Health Department. Some results include the following:
Demographic Profile
Most are women (80%);
Most are long-term residents of the region (more than ten years);
Most are living in small households (1-2 people, 0-1 children);
Survey respondents are similar to general population's age and marital status.
Economic Profile
Most have household incomes of less than $15,000 per year;
Over 40% are employed; many working part-time and seeking more hours;
Over half have education/training beyond high school; 25% have some college;
Most own cars and live in houses or mobile homes with mortgage/rent payment;
Most report no serious problem keeping a job, except those with major health problems, disabilities, or caring for special needs children or disabled family.
Need for Services
Many have significant health problems or disabilities that prevent them from working regularly;
Most receive food assistance and Medicaid; both services are rated helpful;
Coalition Health Access Program (CHAP) received grateful thanks;
Most frequently mentioned unmet needs were for optical and dental care.
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