‘Bridges Out of Poverty’ co-author speaks on poverty issues
By Jami Custer
Staff Writer
WOODALL, Okla. – The Cherokee Nation hosted the seminar “Bridges Out of Poverty: Strategies for Professionals and Communities,” on July 14 at the Crescent Valley Baptist Church to show how poverty can affect a community.
“Our work is based on the concept that people who are in poverty are equal problem solvers and that there are many things to understand about one another as we work together to build resources,” said Terie Dreussi-Smith on the seminar’s goal.
Dreussi-Smith is co-author of the book “Bridges Out of Poverty,” which the seminar was based upon.
The seminar was open to the public as well as CN employees interested in addressing the challenges that accompany poverty.
“We are very happy that this training allows us to also include community service agencies, school personnel and the general citizenry,” CN Human Services Group Leader Norma Merriman. “By sharing the knowledge that ‘Bridges Out of Poverty’ brings to us we can work together more effectively toward our common goal of decreasing the numbers of citizens living in poverty.”
Dreussi-Smith said she presents seminars throughout the United States and Canada and that she considered it an honor to be invited to present to the CN.
She said she and co-author Phil DeVol were asked by Dr. Ruby Payne to co-author the book in 1996, and since that time, about 30 communities have used the book to reduce poverty and develop resources for communities.
Dreussi-Smith said many communities and organizations use the book’s ideas to provide “comprehensive and respectful services to individuals and families” that are poverty-stricken.
“I am amazed at the strengths and resilience of individuals who are in poverty,” she said. “Yet low financial resources can cause stress and can contribute to the loss of other resources, such as physical health.”
After visiting community after community, Dreussi-Smith said she has found that “communities that make the most improvements for all citizens have included all citizens at the table in designing the change process.” She said the book’s ideas enable communities to maintain respect and communication flow during this process.
“’The Bridges Out of Poverty’ training is one of several steps the Cherokee Nation is taking to address the issues of poverty that challenge both our tribal citizens and many others with whom we share the geographic area of the Cherokee Nation,” Merriman said. “This training will better equip our employees, and other who attend the training, to have the knowledge to develop new program designs to improve outcomes.”
The anticipated outcome of the seminar was to gain a better understanding of the challenges of poverty.
“Although many of us have worked in the social service areas for many years, ‘Bridges Out of Poverty’ looks at issues that are hidden or not easy to recognize as poverty issues.” Merriman said. “With this knowledge we can begin to make changes in how we serve those in poverty more effectively.”