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Introducing Bridges Out of Poverty with Treasure McKenzie

In July 2021 Portage Health Foundation (PHF) welcomed Treasure McKenzie to Michigan's Copper Country to introduce community members to Bridges Out of Poverty. McKenzie leads the Bridges program in Muskogee, Oklahoma, and through 10 years they've seen more than 300 families utilize the program. Of those, 73% have found their way out of social services. Now PHF is looking at how this program can be implemented here in the Western Upper Peninsula. “We have the right ingredients at the table right now to bring it all together and really serve this community," PHF Executive Director Kevin Store said. "This program provides a framework for the willingness, passion and work ethic of the community to come together and have real change.” This might be the first time you've heard of Bridges Out of Poverty, but with a commitment to improving the health of our community through this program, PHF knows this won't be the last time you hear it.