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ARDMORE BRIDGES

Bridging the gap from survival to stability

Two proven programs. One stronger community.

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Ardmore Bridges Initiative empowers individuals to break the cycle of poverty and engages the community to create a place where hope can grow into reality.

ARDMORE BRIDGES HELPS IN TWO WAYS:

Have you ever given someone a hand up and been frustrated by the results?

Bridges Out of
Poverty can help.

Getting Ahead
can help.

Ever feel stuck trying to solve the same problems over and over again?

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Julie Williamson

Ardmore Bridges Coordinator

Julie serves with the Ardmore Behavioral Health Collaborative, where she coordinates community efforts to address poverty through the Ardmore Bridges Initiative. Since 2006, she has served communities across southern Oklahoma working in the social services and public health sectors.

 

As a certified facilitator for Bridges Out of Poverty and the Getting Ahead program, Julie continues to educate community partners and works directly with individuals experiencing economic instability. She is also certified to facilitate the Cost of Poverty Experience, an immersive simulation designed to deepen the understanding of human and systemic impacts of poverty.

 

In addition, Julie is a mentor trainer in NEAR Science, providing education on Neuroscience, Epigenetics, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Resilience. She has co-developed trainings including The Brain Talk and Introduction to Trauma-Informed Care. Outside of her professional work, Julie enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends.

BRIDGES OUT OF POVERTY

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3-Hour Training Session

In this training, you will:

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Learn why middle class solutions don't work. â€‹

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Gain practical tools to lead, communicate, and build trust across economic divides.

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Explore the hidden rules that drive decisions and create divides between economic groups.

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Strengthen your leadership with insights    and cultural intelligence.

✔ 

If you’re passionate about helping others thrive and want to maximize your impact, this training is for you!

GETTING AHEAD

18-week class offered twice a year 

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In this class, you will:

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Attend classes on Tuesday evenings. Includes dinner, childcare, and a $25 gift card. 

 

Join a supportive, judgement-free environment.

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Get connected to resources in the community that can help you build stability.

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Learn tools to take charge and write your own future story.​​

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The class has guided individuals to improvements in income, housing and employment. Apply for the next class and start building your path forward today.

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"Attending Getting Ahead was an eye-opening and empowering experience. It helped me understand the root causes of poverty and how they affect not just finances but mindset and opportunities. I am grateful for the supportive environment where I could share my story and learn from others facing similar struggles."

-- Getting Ahead Graduate, Spring 2025

REAL STORIES.
REAL CHANGE.

SUPPORT ARDMORE BRIDGES

Become A Sponsor

The path from survival to stability takes long-

term investments to support individuals as

they acquire new skills and mindsets.

Sponsoring the Getting Ahead program helps

build the foundation for a new future story,

potentially impacting generations to come.

Donate to the Program

Your tax-deductible donation removes obstacles by helping us provide dinner, childcare, materials, and weekly stipends to program participants. Donate today and be part of a movement to make Ardmore a place where hope can grow into reality.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS HELPING BREAK THE CYCLE OF POVERTY

Ardmore Bridges is a collaborative effort that includes the following partners:

Ardmore Behavioral Health Collaborative
  |  Ardmore Family Literacy  |  Best Buy  |  Carter County Health Department  |  Community Youth Services of Southern Oklahoma  |  Dollar General  |  HFV Wilson Community Center  |  Lighthouse Behavioral Wellness Centers  |  McCrory Foundation  |  Mercy Hospital - Ardmore  |  Murray State College - Ardmore   |  Southern Tech  |  The Grace Center of Southern Oklahoma  |  United Way of South Central Oklahoma

LET'S CONNECT AND MAKE AN IMPACT

Have questions or want to learn more about how Ardmore Bridges is making real change in our community? Do you have an area of expertise you would like to share with Getting Ahead graduates? Are you part of  a group that would like to provide a meal for Getting Ahead class on a regular basis? Would you like to be a part of networking opportunities at
Getting Ahead graduation?
Reach out to start the conversation. 

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