Getting Ahead

'Getting Ahead in a Just Getting by World' meets weekly over 15 sessions to help you evaluate your life so you can develop the understanding and skills necessary to survive and flourish.

A weekly 'kitchen table learning experience' for individuals living in poverty or on lower incomes.

Learn the skills and tools to Get Ahead.......


'Getting Ahead in a Just Getting by World' meets weekly over 15 sessions to help you evaluate your life so you can develop the understanding and skills necessary to survive and flourish.


What happens at Getting Ahead? Participants (called 'Investigators') will examine where they are now and where they want to be; including developing a plan for prosperity broken down into manageable and achievable steps for both themselves and their community. 


Getting Ahead happens weekly over 15 sessions. Meals and gift card incentives are provided at every session for investigators who will:


  •  Examine all areas of their lives including resources, attitudes and aspirations
  •  Examine the realities of conditions in the community and how they impact investigators
  •  Learn skills to raise confidence and do what it takes to get ahead
  •  Learn about the hidden rules of economic class and how to navigate around them
  •  Investigate how to build resources and make connections in the community
  •  Build new friendships with others in the group
  •  Share good food and have fun in a confidential and supportive environment


Get started with 'Getting Ahead' - share your experience and learn from others; discover your strengths and build your resources. 


Watch this video to hear about one person's experience after attending Getting Ahead!

Learn more about Getting Ahead here...

  • What will I learn in Getting Ahead?

    Participants will: research the causes of poverty; learn the hidden rules of economic class; examine the stages of change; investigate language and how it is used; learn about resources and investigate how to develop them; be given a voice to raise concerns about the local community.

  • What happens at each session?

    Getting Ahead is a ‘kitchen table’ learning experience. During each session investigators together with a Facilitator and Assistant Facilitator will explore a topic. The facilitator will guide the conversation and take investigators through relevant information. There is a break for lunch provided by Getting Ahead and also a grocery voucher is given out at the end of each session.

  • What can I expect?

    Investigators will co-investigate in a safe environment with others experiencing poverty; enjoy the power that comes from solving problems, controlling our lives and making plans for stability and receive incentives including materials; a workbook; lunch and a grocery voucher. Transportation support is also available.

  • How long does it run for?

    Getting Ahead runs every week for 15 weeks for around 3 hours a session.

  • Where can I take Getting Ahead?

    It will run at YMCA Employment Service locations in Huntsville, Bracebridge and Gravenhurst.

  • How do I sign up?

    Contact us or register on the Getting Ahead  web page at www.ywcamuskoka.com or email langell@ywcamuskoka.com to find out more.

  • Who can participate?

    Individuals who self-identify as experiencing poverty who want to get ahead. Programs are open to people of all genders.  

  • What happens after I graduate from Getting Ahead?

    You can get more support for working towards self-sufficiency by getting involved in the Circles initiative. Find out more by attending Getting Ahead or through this website www.circlesusa.org

  • How many investigators are there in each group?

    There are never more than 12 investigators on a Getting Ahead program.