October 17, 2024 | By Emilie Jacques
To accommodate the increasing number of participants and their families, Copper Shores Bridges is proud to introduce five new people facilitating the program - Aimee Kempen, Angela Coon, Bethanne Riffer, Cathy Lucchesi and Courtney Sebeck. These staff members will guide discussions and provide essential support, bringing fresh perspectives and insights to Getting Ahead and Money Matters.
Meet the new facilitators
Aimee Kempen
Born in Ontonagon and currently working in Houghton, Kempen is pursuing a degree in social work, making Bridges the perfect opportunity to develop her skills and learn while working first hand with fellow community members.
Angela Coon
As a graduate of both Getting Ahead and Money Matters, Coon has made significant changes in her life. In addition to taking on a facilitator role, Coon has taken on a managerial position at work, purchased a vehicle on her own and has started school for a business degree.
Bethanne Riffer
Riffer is the Assistant Vice President / Branch Manager at Huntington National Bank, but will tell you she is no stranger to facing struggles. Having experienced the challenges of poverty herself, Riffer brings both inside-knowledge and practical experience to Bridges.
Cathy Lucchesi
Before taking on Bridges in retirement, Lucchesi worked as a banker and real estate agent. Now as a facilitator, Lucchesi brings a wealth of knowledge that helps participants navigate the challenges of the financial system.
Courtney Sebeck
Sebeck, who lives near Baraga, has the honor of being the first Getting Ahead facilitator for the Bridges program as it expands into the county. Having worked closely with Bridges, Sebeck is well-equipped to help establish a strong program in Baraga.
New facilitators bring wealth of knowledge
Program Director Michael Steber has played a pivotal role in bringing the Bridges program to fruition. With the expansion of the program, Steber has been happy to grow the team and take on more help.
“I am extremely excited about our new facilitators,” said Steber. “Each one of them comes with a different story. They're bringing experience, compassion and empathy to our program, and I could not have asked for better people to get us started.”
For those feeling overwhelmed by the struggles of everyday life, Copper Shores Bridges offers a glimmer of hope. This innovative program, built on frameworks developed and continually refined by aha! Process, aims to uplift individuals trapped in cycles of poverty and instability.
Poverty is a multifaceted issue that requires collective effort and understanding. The addition of new staff members enhances the program’s capacity to offer flexible support and individualized assistance, ensuring that participants receive the help they need, when they need it.
In August 2024, Copper Shores Bridges marked a significant milestone by launching classes in Baraga County, marking its first major expansion. Plans for further outreach into Ontonagon County are already in the works, promising even greater access to resources for those in need.
As the Bridges program continues to evolve, its hopeful outlook for the future resonates deeply within the community. With a dedicated team and a growing network of support, Copper Shores Bridges is well-equipped to foster lasting change and empower individuals on their journey toward stability and success.
The next cohort of classes is set to begin in early 2025. To learn more about Copper Shores Bridges, visit coppershores.org/bridges.
