CCMC announces graduation for Getting Ahead program

Cooperative Christian Ministries and Clinic recently completed additional sessions of its Bridges Out of Poverty, Getting Ahead program in Hot Springs, with the latest group set to graduate Monday.

The new group completed a four-month training session and “is ready to begin living their new future life stories,” a news release said. The group was facilitated by Mike and Deby Prince.

First Baptist Church partnered with CCMC again this semester by providing a meeting space, purchasing the curriculum, and making arrangements for meals each week for the participants and facilitators. First Baptist is also hosting the graduation in their sanctuary for the fourth time, scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. Monday.

The keynote speaker is John McCallum, pastor of First Baptist, and a graduation celebration dinner will be held immediately following the ceremony for the graduates, their guests, and sponsors from First Baptist Church.

A similar program is offered to groups in the Garland County Detention Center and graduation for the most recent par-

ticipants will be held later this month.

CCMC has evolved with the implementation of the private option over the past 30 months to expand services for its clients. The Getting Ahead curriculum provides a platform for people who want to take the steps and make the changes for building sustainable lives.

“This 16-week curriculum puts the concepts, tools, and relationships in the hands of individuals to make a difference in their own lives and in the life of their community,” Lynn Blankenship, CCMC executive director, said in the release.

“The upcoming graduation will celebrate the accomplishment of the 19th Getting Ahead class. We are very proud to be a part of all of these new future stories represented here. Congratulations to the graduates on their accomplishment. It is a rewarding experience to be involved in this program that changes lives,” she said.

Email Jill Johnson at jjohnson@ccmchs.com or call 501318-1153, ext. 302, for more information.

Submitted photo Hot Springs Police Chief Jason Stachey, right, swears in newly pinned Hot Springs police Officers Justin Bradbury, left, Morgan Cash Murray and Cynthia Howerton during a ceremony April 28 at the police department. The officers recently graduated from...