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After Dial Help, the Portage Health Foundation, and Copper Country Senior Meals merged to form the Copper Shores Community Health Foundation in March 2023, the foundation started Bridges Copper Country as a new program aimed at addressing poverty factors in the region. During a presentation at Wake Up Keweenaw, Copper Shores Executive Director Kevin Store shared that based on the latest information, about 21% of the four counties fall into the federal poverty level.
“But we have to start thinking about that long horizon. So one of the things we are trying to do, trying to imagine right now, is how do we. I use the word humanize, which is 21 percent. How do we illustrate that for the people that are in it, these are the challenges they are facing? And we all have a responsibility to address that. I’m going to give credit to Jill. Jill is teaching our money maters course second session group. What’s most amazing is that she’s given of herself and her talents and to change that condition for no about 8, 9, 10 people in our community on a path of self-sustainability and resiliency.” – Kevin Store, Executive Director, Copper Shores Community Health Foundation
Copper Shores hopes to address the challenges households stuck in the cycle of poverty face. Oftentimes the impact of deferred card maintenance or an unexpected medical bill can pile atop other challenges. Bridges Copper Country offers three main programs impacting poverty. Their Money Matters courses. Bridges Workshops. and a 16-week getting ahead training. Those interested in learning more about Copper Shores Community Health Foundation and Bridges Copper Country can find more information here
