Poverty Reduction Initiative

	Donna Beegle

On May 1, PRI hosted its Fourth Annual Opportunity Conference at St. Francis High School and welcomed 200 people. National poverty expert Donna Beegle was the featured speaker and she described her own journey from poverty to success, offering this advice:

1. People really do want to help you: Maybe they don't understand but give them a chance.

2. Others aren't better than you: Do your best; don't give up; you will make it. You don't have to be perfect.

3. Find Navigators (mentors): The are the most important key to success. Talk to anyone you can. Learn more about people who are making it. Share what you are proud of.

4. Know what motivates you: If you get knocked down, what are five reasons you would get up?

One participant was attending the Opportunity Conference for the fourth time and said, "I don't only need help; I need hope--and I find it here."