Getting Ahead, a transformative 16-week program offered by the YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City, serves individuals facing the challenges of financial instability. This program is specifically designed to assist those struggling to make ends meet, offering a welcoming space to envision personal goals, build a network of support, and discover valuable resources that will establish a more secure environment for participants and their families. 

RestoreOKC brings to this partnership not only participants for Getting Ahead, but also experience in restorative justice within the community.  

The YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City’s Getting Ahead initiative and RestoreOKC’s workforce curriculum continues both organizations’ positive impact by joining forces to provide support and guidance to our community members. Through this partnership, Getting Ahead and RestoreOKC will continue to love, serve and care for the east Oklahoma City community through restoration projects, community farms and their workforce development initiative. 

“We are excited and grateful to offer Getting Ahead as part of RestoreOKC’s workforce development program,’ said Joe Kendrick, executive director of Christian mission at the YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City. “Restore’s commitment to restorative justice mirrors the YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City’s commitment to the Christian principle of justice. We believe this will be an opportunity to work together to restore our neighborhoods and work toward reconciliation by helping others break the vicious cycle of poverty. RestoreOKC is a beacon of hope to the community, and we are excited to come alongside their restorative work and help keep the beacon lit.” 

Individuals interested in participating in the Getting Ahead program can contact the YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City or visit the website ymcaokc.org/getting-ahead for enrollment details.

Listen to Joe talk about the partnership recently on KOCO: https://youtu.be/l8Ni7mLgH6c?si=wGJm1ZuUink8cY3e

Written by Corey Cargill, ccargill@ymcaokc.org