News Flash

A workshop designed to provide a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by those who live in and have lived in poverty, and their strengths, will be offered in Dubuque for social, health, legal, educational, and business professionals. “Bridges Out of Poverty” will be held on Friday, February 5, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Loras College Alumni Center, 1450 Alta Vista, in Dubuque.

The workshop is based on the book, “Bridges Out of Poverty: Strategies for Professionals and Communities” by Dr. Ruby Payne. The book offers a framework to better understand poverty and the workshop is tailored for professionals who serve clients who live or have lived in poverty. Topics to be covered in the February 5 workshop include:

· identifying resources and building strengths,

· the social and political factors affecting poverty,

· better communication through understanding the registers of language, and

· Family structure and personal identity.

“Bridges Out of Poverty” will be presented by Jim Ott, a psychologist with the Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency serving schools in Jackson County. The workshop is sponsored by the First Baptist Church of Dubuque, the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque, and the City of Dubuque Housing and Community Development Department.

The cost to participate in the workshop is $45 per person, which includes lunch and a copy of Payne’s “Bridges Out of Poverty.” The deadline to register has been extended to February 1. Social work continuing education units (CEUs) are available through Loras College for an additional $5. For registration information, please contact the Community Foundation at (563) 588-2700.