Bridges out of Poverty : Strategies for Professionals and Communities - 95 edition

Summary: The title of this book, Bridges Out of Poverty, gives readers a mental image of crossing a divide that separates those in poverty from other economic classes. The bridge does exist, but it is more challenging to cross than one might suspect. That's why Ruby Payne, Philip DeVol, and Terie Dreussi Smith wrote this book.

Philip and Terie bring to this venture their many years of experience in the social service community. When added to Ruby's 25-plus years of ...show more education experience and groundbreaking work in the area of poverty, a book with a powerful message and practical suggestions like Bridges is the result.

Bridges' theories about poverty are similar to those outlined in Ruby's A Framework for Understanding Poverty. But where Framework deals with education, Bridges focuses on the needs of social service providers and other helping professions, such as hospitals and correctional facilities. The workplace also is addressed. Therefore, subjects such as the "three voices" and the registers of language are carried over from Framework. The authors added content in many areas, including information about mentors and improving the work performance of people from poverty. The book also has sections advising social service agencies about the types of modifications they can make to better serve the poor.

One of the most fascinating parts of Bridges comes in the Epilogue. The entire book includes excerpts of life stories from individuals who struggled up from poverty. In the Epilogue, the individuals' stories are told in their own words.

Bridges continues the strong tradition begun by Ruby in Framework to educate people about the unique (and sometimes hidden) obstacles that individuals from poverty face. Bridges also offers tactics that entire bureaucracies can employ to better serve their clients from the culture of poverty. Bridges Out of Poverty is a valuable tool for both individuals and institutions with a mission of serving the poor. ...show less