Alliance Working on Ways to Prevent Poverty Starting With A Workshop

June 7, 2021, 2:50 p.m. ·

Bridges Out of Poverty poster
Bridges Out of Poverty is a three-part series over the next year in western Nebraska. (Courtesy image)

In an attempt to reduce poverty in Nebraska communities, several groups in Alliance are coming together for a workshop called “Bridges Out of Poverty” on Tuesday.

Karen Benzel of the United Way says the workshop is about educating people.

“First of all it’s about educating people about poverty, different types of instances of poverty,” Benzel said. “Whether it’s generational poverty, whether it’s circumstantial poverty like maybe medical bills or something like that or a job loss.”

Benzel says a large part of education is understanding why people in poverty make the decisions they make.

Then, the group can formulate theories on how to limit poverty, with a focus on rural communities.

There are additional “Bridges Out of Poverty” workshops scheduled for the future. A second event will follow on October 14 in Gering. The series will return to Alliance in June 2022.

The workshop requires pre-registration and costs $35 to attend. The event is open to anyone, but service agencies, elected officials, school personnel, law enforcement, church leaders, and businesses are encouraged to participate. Register for the event at panhandlepartnerships.com. Alliance Performing Arts Center will host Tuesday’s activities that begin at 8 a.m. Mountain Time.