Our Getting Ahead Partners & Mike’s Car Ministry

My wife Joann and I attended an informational presentation several years ago at our church. It featured Vern, a teacher from West Burlington schools, who was instrumental in helping guide a new community-based program called Building Bridges Out of Poverty. He brought with him a number of young adults who were recent graduates from an intensive 18-week program designed to help them transform their lives and become contributing members of our society. Each graduate spoke for a few minutes, recounting the profound difficulties their lives had faced due to past criminal activity, addictions, and the effects of abuse. They all indicated that one of the program’s strengths was the one-on-one mentoring they received from community volunteers. These individuals, in many cases, provided the responsible guidance the program participants had never received while growing up, supplying the bond that enabled them to find the strength and support required to take the initiative to overcome the consequences of their past choices.

Joann had been the school nurse at Burlington High School for over 30 years, and I had been the building educational consultant. We both felt a calling to become part of this fantastic community program. We asked Vern about the next step to become involved, and he directed us to speak with Mona Ash, the program director.

That was one of the best visits we had ever made. After going through an orientation session, we were given our first assignment. We learned a lot about poverty and living in challenging conditions. We were there to help, encourage, and become part of their family. Unfortunately, that couple continues to navigate life’s difficulties, but we wish them the best as they have moved away from the Burlington area. This was a great experience for us, and our next mentoring assignment is still ongoing, continuing to fill us with many opportunities to assist and encourage. The couple has found work and has been able to apply many of the skills acquired in the classroom to their family living situations. As partners in their lives, we are in touch frequently, and if stress arises, they know we are just a call or text away.

Currently, we are working with another very successful program graduate who will soon be graduating from SCC with CNA credentials. Her career path looks very promising. How exciting it is to be part of something unique that can change lives!? We continue to be blessed with these opportunities.