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CORE celebrates nine graduates from ninth class
CORE grads 2015
The latest class of CORE graduates are, front row, from left: Dorian Howton, Shaylyn Perez and Sam Phillips; middle row: Erin Perez, Kristy Perez, Misty Perez, Jennifer Vance and Trinity Vance; back row: facilitator Rose Camacho, Kelsie Maske, and facilitator Bonito Vasquez. - photo by photo by Susan Thacker/Great Bend Tribune

The ninth class of Barton County CORE Community graduates was honored Thursday on their “journey to resolve poverty.”

Core Community is a program that focuses on healing lives, solving poverty, and empowering communities for greatness through relationships. Site Director Rachel Ellson said this year’s graduates have been working hard for quite a while to learn how to break out of poverty.

Two of the graduates spoke. Sam Phillips said that during the classes he created a budget and paid off his credit card debt.

Graduate Dorian Howton said she had been trapped in a cycle of poverty, financially and emotionally, before the program.

“My family and my friends say the twinkle is back in my eyes,” she said. “I believe in myself; I understand poverty differently. This journey taught me that rock bottom can be a foundation.”

Now Howton said she is building a life where she can thrive and help others do the same.

“Where do I go from here? I go forward.”

CORE Community Liaison Jan Perez said this program came to Barton County in 2017. During the weekly classes in Phase 1, participants bring their families to the First United Methodist Church where they meet for a free meal before class. The children then leave for activities so the parents can have free childcare as they learn lessons from the “Getting Ahead in a Just-Gettin’-By World” research-based anti-poverty workshop developed by Dr. Ruby Payne and Phil DeVol. Based on the “Bridges Out of Poverty” concepts, the encompassing idea is that people in poverty are experts in their own situation.

It has helped families move above the 200% federal poverty, become homeowners, reduce debt and change lives and generations forever, Perez said.

“We encourage and need others to join alongside us as we continue to grow and build this community,” she said. The community can contribute to this 501(c)3 nonprofit financially, become a CORE Friend or provide a meal. Others may want to get involved by taking the class. Another class will be starting in October. Meanwhile, Thursday’s graduates have completed Phase 1 and can progress to Phase 2, where they can be paired with a CORE Friend in the community.

For ways to get involved or to donate to the program, call Jan Perez at 620-792-7995 or email janiceperez@essdack.org.