Getting Ahead is a 16-week program involving rigorous work done in a safe learning environment with the support of an experienced facilitator and co-facilitator. Participants, called “investigators,” are encouraged to examine their own experience of poverty and explore issues in the community that impact poverty. Investigators receive a $25 gift card for each class they attend, dinner is provided each night along with childcare. Additionally, every other week groceries are given to help build their pantry.

Program facilitators guide investigators through an assessment of their own resources and how to build those resources as part of their move to self-sufficiency. Getting Ahead puts the concepts, tools, and relationships in the hands of people in poverty to make a difference in their own lives and in the life of their community.

All programs are free of charge unless indicated.

The Poverty Simulation offers a powerful, three-hour immersive experience through role-playing, shedding light on the daily realities faced by families and individuals residing in or near the poverty line in Indiana. Participants step into a simulation created to reveal the trials and tribulations of our neighbors struggling with the heavy task of providing for their households. There is a fee for this program.

The Community Food Experience is a dynamic 90-minute simulation where participants represent a neighbor facing a health challenge. They must navigate real-life obstacles, managing a tight budget while meeting nutritional needs. This immersive experience sheds light on the complexities of hunger and the impact of food insecurity on daily life. There is a fee for this program.

Can I Move Out is a workshop that empowers young adults to independently assess their readiness for independent living. Covering essential topics such as utility expenses, security deposits, household supply costs, apartment hunting, budget creation, affordable housing resources, SMART goal setting, and lease examination, participants gain comprehensive insight into the intricacies of moving out. Tailored to the level of student engagement, the workshop can be 60 to 120 minutes, allowing ample time for exploration and discussion of each topic.

Hard Choices is a versatile interactive game offering adaptability for both team-based and individual play, accommodating durations ranging from a quick 15 minutes to a more extensive 90-minute session.

Dive into the Survive poverty simulation, a fast-paced, tabletop experience where Smarties candies are your currency. Make critical social class decisions such as one candy for a homeless shelter, two candies for a basic one-bedroom apartment, or three candies for a two-bedroom with amenities. With eight categories and only 15 candies, can you strategize to make the best choices? Challenge yourself and see if you can survive! Finally, justify your resource selections through a lead discussion.

Through our partnership with Indy Hunger Network, Second Harvest offers Cooking Matters, empowering individuals with cooking skills and nutritional knowledge. This program addresses hunger and nutrition disparities while fostering self-sufficiency and confidence. Participants learn to make healthier, budget-friendly choices alongside qualified instructors. Taking home groceries to practice reinforces lessons and extends the impact beyond the class.

The THRIVE Network Coaching, funded by Heart of Indiana United Way, supports individuals living paycheck to paycheck despite being employed. Participants commit to financial and/or employment/education goals for their themselves and their families. THRIVE offers this free coaching with an average engagement of 18 months.

Navigating SNAP applications can be challenging, so Second Harvest’s SNAP Application Assistance Program is here to assist. We offer eligibility prescreening, application guidance, and helpful resources.

The Ally Program pairs community members with graduates of the Getting Ahead program. Getting Ahead is a rigorous 16-week program where participants, called “investigators,” are encouraged to examine their own experience of poverty and explore issues in the community that impact poverty. The Ally Program allows investigators to establish a support system and build resources with the assistance of ally partners from the community. It also offers the opportunity for community members to become more aware, empathetic, and sensitive to the impact poverty has in our community. To learn more, visit SecondHarvestsStayingAhead.com

What are Ally Partners Like

Allies volunteer to participate in this program and come from all walks of life and economic levels. Yet they all have a common interest in supporting others in their journey toward self-sufficiency. Allies are not sponsors and will not provide financial assistance. They may provide caring, emotional support and practical assistance through networking and resource building. You and your investigator determine together how often to communicate and interact. Types of activities and interactions can vary from one pair to another.

What You Do with an Ally

Allies will walk alongside the investigator and support them in their journey toward self-sufficiency. The pair will develop a good, reciprocal relationship that allows the investigator to build social capital in the community. The ally will guide and advise the investigator by being their accountability partner