Cincinnatians Try To Build Bridges Out Of Poverty

from the Kentucky Post

Reported by: Tom McKee

Greater Cincinnati professionals from all walks of life gathered Tuesday at Duke Energy Center for the first of two days of speakers suggesting ways of moving people away from poverty.

"Bridges Out Of Poverty" is being sponsored by the Health Foundation of Greater Cincinnati.

"In 2006, Cincinnati was identified as the third poorest city of its size in the United States," said Kate Keller, Senior Program Officer of the Foundation.

Five different groups are hearing presentations by Dr. Ruby Payne, an expert on generational poverty, and Carol Weisman, a speaker, author and trainer in volunteerism, fundraising and governance.

Keller said sessions are being held for non-profit and for-profit organizations, educators, health care providers and foundations.

Dr. Payne says education is the key to moving up the economic ladder.

"You don't transition unless you have education," she said. "You also have to have a relationship with someone different than you."

Regarding education, Dr. Payne said what once was considered enough schooling is no longer the norm.

"In the industrial economy, you did not have to live in a representational world of paper and computers," she said. "You could go work with your hands on a piece of equipment and make money."

"Now, if you wanted to make money you have to be able to live in a paper/ computer world," she added. "It's a different knowledge base."

The final session runs Wednesday from 8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. at the Duke Energy Center.