Understanding Poverty

To educate the community about the complex issue of poverty, PRI regularly hosts national experts on this topic and invites members of the community to share the experience. These speakers have helped create a valuable regional dialogue and provide a foundation for common understanding and problem-solving.

In 2005, Dr. Payne spoke to an audience of 1,100 in Traverse City, sharing her insights and ideas about the lives of individuals in poverty. The Founder of aha! Process, Payne spoke about the "hidden rules" that people use to survive in an environment-often creating barriers among the rich, the middle class, and the poor. She has written several books, including, "A Framework for Understanding Poverty." For more information:  http://www.ahaprocess.com/

Dr. Beegle has shared her story of overcoming generational poverty with many different audiences in northwest Michigan. Dropping out of high school at 15, Beegle was a divorced mother of two, facing homelessness, at 25.  Yet by 35, she had earned a PhD and started her own business. She has helped facilitate three "Opportunity Conferences" in Traverse City to inspire and empower people in poverty. Her book is titled, See Poverty, Be the Difference. For more information: 
http://www.combarriers.com/

As an employer, Fred Keller decided to help reduce poverty in his Grand Rapids community by hiring poor people--and he made this a mission of his company. The challenges were significant and the results remarkable, not only for the people in poverty but for all his employees. His story inspired a similar effort in northwest Michigan called "TeamWork Northwest." For more information about Cascade Engineering: 
http://www.cascadeng.com/

Bill Millett believes that early childhood education is a critical strategy in helping individuals avoid poverty and achieve success. His evidence is not from childcare providers but from corporate leadership, national think tanks, and chambers of commerce. Good childcare is good for business--and for the whole community. For more information: 
http://www.scopeview.net/