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Copper Shores Bridges Expands to Baraga County

June 10, 2024 | By Emilie Jacques

Classes begin in August; Applications due by July 19

Copper Shores Community Health Foundation is excited to announce the expansion of its Bridges program to Baraga County. Beginning in August, Bridges will offer its introductory class, Getting Ahead, on Wednesday evenings. Applications are due Friday, July 19, 2024.

Getting Ahead is a community-oriented class intended to teach people ways to become more stable, by decreasing debt and becoming more self-sufficient. The program allows people struggling at the 200 percent poverty level, or below, a safe place to learn to become more stable. 

This program has already proven successful with three classes having graduated from the program in Houghton, and the number of applicants across the Copper Country growing quickly. The expansion to Baraga County is a clear step in creating a Bridges community Copper Country wide.

“Expanding to Baraga County is a natural progression of our program, and we believe it's necessary to help reach more people in that area,” Bridges Program Director Michael Steber said.  “We realized very quickly that it’s difficult to get to Houghton from Baraga County 16 weeks in a row, so it just makes sense to bring the program to the Baraga-L’Anse area.”

2024-06-10---BridgesOutofPovertyWorkshop---Copper-Shores-Bridges---Register---Expanding-to-Baraga---OL--1x1--ExpandingtoBaragaCountyRemoving barriers to help people find stability

Bridges staff and volunteers remove as many barriers as possible for investigators so they can attend class, worry free. Investigators and their children can expect free transportation, if needed, to and from class, a free hot meal every week and free childcare during class.

“We're very excited to partner with the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community,” said Steber. “They will be providing the facilities, childcare and transportation cooperatively with Copper Shores so that we can meet the needs of Baraga County participants.”

How to apply

To apply to the program, visit coppershores.org/getting-ahead and complete the online application form. Make sure to apply by the deadline of Friday, July 19. Admissions interviews will be held in late July. 

“We’re looking for people that are ready to make some changes in their life,” said Steber. “If you are one of those individuals who’s looking for help and ready for change, we encourage you to apply.”

For additional information visit coppershores.org/bridges or contact Michael Steber, Copper Shores Bridges program director by emailing msteber@coppershores.org or calling 1 (906) 523-5920.

"The last few month have been fun, I honestly look forward to it. My kids got to make new friends just like I did. I learned how to be emotional in front of my pears, all while creating my future story."
Getting Ahead GraduateSpring 2024
"The last 16 weeks have been bonkers. The structure and expectations have been something I look forward to. Every week we eat as a family, cry a little and laughed a lot."
Getting Ahead GraduateSpring 2024
"Books have a beginning and an end. I'd like to think my story is in the middle, and I write it in pencil. Life is full of second chances and this is your second chance."
Bethanne RifferKey Note Speaker, Spring 2024
Emilie Jacques

Emilie Jacques

"I graduated from Michigan Tech with a B.S. in Psychology, a minor in Communication Studies, and a minor in Media Production. I love the outdoors and DnD." You can reach Emilie at ejacques@coppershores.org.