Kayla entered the Getting Ahead group knowing she would help facilitate conversations as the co-facilitator, but she quickly realized she was also there to listen—deeply and attentively. Week after week, stories unfolded around the room: stories of parents navigating their children’s health needs, individuals moving through job loss and new employment, and people searching for a sense of belonging while trying to access resources that could help them move forward. As Kayla absorbed these experiences, she found herself fully engaged—asking questions, building relationships, and guiding discussions that connected personal struggles to broader community and systemic impacts.
“While taking in these stories and co facilitating the program’s poverty education, I have asked questions, built relationships, led discussions and activities, and spoke about the impact on individuals, communities, and the larger system.”
What stood out to Kayla was the power of the group itself. In the shared space, participants brought their full identities with them. One member spoke openly about being vegetarian, another about being multiracial and part of the LGBTQ community. Rather than creating division, these differences strengthened the group, fostering connection and trust. As investigators, the people in the group, shared pieces of their lives, they cultivated a sense of belonging that expanded their social capital—something the group had learned could be leveraged to navigate other systems like education and finance.
“One of the wonderful aspects of working with others, especially in group, is the mass exposure to different cultures and perspectives for everyone.”
Kayla recognized this exchange as reciprocal. While investigators supported one another, the group also energized her. The collective resilience and determination she witnessed fueled her own commitment to her education, her family system, and the broader community.
“On the other side, the group helps me by synergizing energy that I direct towards my education, my family system, and the community. This dynamic is truly the gift that keeps on giving.”
For Kayla, social justice was not an abstract concept—it was something practiced in real time through human connection. She saw how simply being exposed to diverse experiences, and engaging in positive interactions, could challenge assumptions and reduce prejudice. Though change did not always feel immediate, she understood the importance of small moments and shared understanding.
“The ethic of social justice is practiced first when we expose ourselves to diverse people… planting seeds is the beginning of progress towards a more just society.”
As the program continued, Kayla observed a group defined by determination and resilience. Together, investigators and facilitators alike were growing—learning from one another and striving toward better futures.
“We encourage others to share their experiences of culture and struggle, and I have found this group to be determined and resilient. It is with great pleasure that I can see us all grow and strive for better.”