Bridges Out of Poverty is a unique and powerful tool designed specifically for social, health, and legal services professionals. Based in part on Dr. Ruby K. Payne's myth shattering A Framework for Understanding Poverty, Bridges reaches out to the millions of service providers and businesses whose daily work connects them with the lives of people in poverty.

In a highly readable format you'll find case studies, detailed analysis, helpful charts and exercises, and specific solutions you and your organization can implement right now to:

• Redesign programs to better serve people you work with
• Build skill sets for management to help guide employees
• Upgrade training for front-line staff like receptionists, case workers, and managers;
• Improve treatment outcomes in health care and behavioral health care;
• Increase the likelihood of moving from welfare to work.

If your business, agency, or organization works with people from poverty, only a deeper understanding of their challenges-and strengths-will help you partner with them to create opportunities for success.

293 pgs

As an educator I strongly urge anyone working with "helping" services, including education, to read this book. It is an easy read that can provide invaluable insights. This book sheds much light on the inhibiting assumptions and obstacles that seperate the varying socioeconomic classes. I have begun to change my approach to educating as a result of Dr. Payne's work. Do yourself and those you are trying to help a favor...read this book!

-Michael L Ifft, Boadman, OH