For Immediate Release
May 15, 2007
Contact:   Melanie McDonald, director of media relations, 574-284-4579

Bridges Out of Poverty Initiative Educates Community, Delivers Solutions

NOTRE DAME, Ind.--Saint Mary's College, in cooperation with the St. Joseph County Bridges Out of Poverty Initiative, is hosting a day-long seminar designed to help local businesses, organizations and community members understand their role in eliminating poverty in St. Joseph County. The seminar, "Bridges Out of Poverty:   Strategies for Professionals and Communities," is Tuesday, June 12 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Carroll Auditorium, Madeleva Hall. Registration begins at 8 a.m.

Bridges Out of Poverty, developed by Dr. Ruby Payne and Phil DeVol, examines the sources and impact of generational poverty on families and communities. The model reveals hidden rules and norms of social class, and supports addressing and solving generational poverty at the community level.

Saint Mary's Center for Women's InterCultural Leadership (CWIL) has brought the Bridges Out of Poverty Seminar to the Michiana area each year beginning in 2004 through a leadership program involving several community partners:   The YWCA of St. Joseph County, St. Margaret's House, the South Bend Heritage Foundation, Home Management Resources, the Sr. Maura Brannick Health Clinic and the Cass County Council on Aging.   Since the program's inception, more than 500 community members have been trained in the Bridges Out of Poverty model. In 2006, the St. Joseph County Bridges Out of Poverty Initiative was launched involving more than 50 local organizations representing the fields of social service, education, business and government.

In his February 2007 State of the City address, South Bend Mayor Steven Luecke announced that Bridges Out of Poverty will be one of his five directives, and that he will work with local leaders on the initiative.

"Helping to end poverty in one's own backyard is the responsibility of good neighbors and community partners," says Dr. Carol Ann Mooney, Saint Mary's College President. "The partnership between the Center for Women's Intercultural Leadership and the St. Joseph County Bridges Out of Poverty has already made an impact, and continues to make our community healthier."

The registration fee is $75; early registration (by June 1) is $50. To register, or for more information, contact Pam Blair at 574-284-4056 or e-mail pblair@saintmarys.edu.

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