The book called "A Framework for Understanding Poverty" by Dr. Ruby K. Payne has changed my outlook on poverty big time. The book has educated me and also inspired me to help mentor people in stepping out of poverty.
Wouldn't you love to see individuals who are living in poverty get out of poverty? How sweet would that be! To see them understand, create, and implement a budget. To see them work at a steady job. It would be beneficial to them and to the community.
Dr. Ruby K. Payne believes that individuals leave the world of poverty for one out of four reasons.
- A goal or vision of something they want to be of have
- A situation that is so painful that anything would be better
- Someone who "sponsors" them (a mentor who shows them a different way or convinces them that they could live differently)
- A specific talent or ability that provides an opportunity for them
I am a huge advocate for mentoring. I have been mentoring a few women who live in poverty that live in either an apartment or condo in downtown Royal Oak. These women have an income but they just do not know how to work with a budget. This mentorship has not been the easiest but I am finally seeing some progress. Woo hoo! :)
Just what if we all started to mentor one or two people who live in poverty? What if we help set goals for them? What if teach them how to apply for jobs and how to interview? What if we sit down with them and help create a budget? What if we hold them accountable to that budget?
"No significant learning occurs without a significant relationship." Dr James Comer
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