‘Getting Ahead’ graduation set

A graduation ceremony will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday in the First United Methodist Church sanctuary for the second group to graduate this spring from Cooperative Christian Ministries and Clinic’s Bridges Out of Poverty program, Getting Ahead in a Just-Gettin’-By World.

The graduates recently completed four-month training sessions facilitated by Ron and Connie Wright.

First United Methodist Church partnered with CCMC this semester by providing the meeting space, meals, and all other expenses and needs for the class, according to a news release. FUMC’s sanctuary was the location for the first Hot Springs Getting Ahead in a Just-Gettin’-By World class graduation in May 2015. The graduation for the first group was held in early May at First Baptist Church.

The Rev. David Moseley, pastor of First United Methodist Church, will address the graduates on Wednesday. A post-graduation celebration dinner will be held for graduates, their guests, and sponsors from FUMC.

A similar program is offered to groups in the Garland County Detention Center and graduation ceremonies for four Getting Ahead While Getting Out groups have been held this spring.

“We are 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,” CCMC Executive Director Lynn Blankenship said in the release.

“CCMC has evolved with the implementation of the Affordable Care Act over the past two-and-a-half years to expand services for their clients. Getting Ahead curriculum provides a platform for those who want to take the steps and make the changes for building sustainable lives,” it said.

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