Staff photos / Bob Coupland
Sherry Steiner, a program facilitator for Thrive 10:10’s “Getting Ahead in a Just Gettin By World,” left, speaks at a recent graduation for those who completed the 18-week program. Graduates include, from left, Dierdre Goliday, Skylar Davis, Nichole Allen, Ashley Ozias, Kristena Pivovar and Tammie Riddle.

GIRARD — Thrive 10:10, which helps individuals through different services and programs, recognized its most recent “Getting Ahead” graduates at a ceremony at Girard First United Methodist Church.

Meghan DeGregory, executive director of Thrive 10:10, said the six graduates of the program represent stories of hope, growth and resilience.

The program offered by Thrive 10:10 is “Getting Ahead in a Just Gettin’ By World” and is 16 weeks, with classes on financial literacy, problem solving, stress management, workforce readiness and goal setting,

“Getting Ahead is more than a class — it’s a launching pad,” DeGregory said. “Each graduate has invested in themselves, built new skills and gained a vision for a different kind of future. We want our community to witness these victories and be encouraged to support the continued work.”

She said the graduation marks the culmination of months of hard work, reflection and courage from participants who have completed the Getting Ahead program — a research-based initiative that helps individuals investigate mindset, build financial stability, gain confidence and set a new path forward.

Program participants see firsthand the power of what happens when people are given the tools, support and space to rewrite their futures.

Sherry Steiner, a program facilitator, said the graduates have their own inspiring personal stories of how they have overcome challenges in their lives,

Elizabeth Comer, a past graduate of the program and current mentor, said, “I feel fortunate to speak to you. Each class is special in its own way. You represent resilience.”

Other program mentors said the women have a better hold on their own futures after completing the program.

Rev. Jennifer Wellington, pastor of the Girard church, said she took some of the Thrive 10:10 classes and said she was inspired by her classmates.

Graduate Deidre Goliday said she was grateful for the program because it taught her that she is worthy, deserves respect, can overcome fear, prioritize her happiness and reinforced the message that her p ast does not define her.

“People helped me find who I am and what I want to be. This class was like a family to me,” said graduate Skylar Davis.

Graduate Ashley Ozias said the program was like a journey for her.

“You all helped me find my legacy. I made memories that I will have for a lifetime. I may have fallen, but I got back up. Let the power of our voices be heard,” she said.

DeGregory said Thrive 10:10 also offers such programs and services as Ruth’s Boutique, Staying Ahead, Money Matters, Boundaries and Bridges Out of Poverty.

She said lives have been transformed, not only for individuals, but for families and the community.

DeGregory said Getting Ahead is a program aimed at breaking cycles of crisis and equipping people with long-term stability strategies.

“We provide relief, recovery and restoration to people throughout the Mahoning Valley. They start with a pathway,” DeGregory said.

She said Ruth’s Boutique inside the Girard church is a place where individuals and families can shop for what they need such as food, clothing, diapers and pet food.

DeGregory said the organization rents space from the church. She said the educational pathway programs offered by Thrive 10:10 help address ways out of poverty, first aid and mental health.

“The programs offer ways for people to find resources and understand their potential. The participants become leaders and volunteer and become more independent,” she said.

DeGregory said while Thrive 10:10 works closely with the church, they are separate entities.

Funding for programs and services is provided by donors, foundations and organizations. Fundraisers also have taken place.

Thrive 10:10 was started four years ago and is open Monday to Thursday. For information, email thrive1010mv@gmail.com.