From Relief to Empowerment: The Genesis of the UP™ Programs

  KUO's initial approach to helping people in poverty focused on providing basic necessities for a decade, which proved insufficient in alleviating poverty. Founder Jeff Newton, in collaboration with the now Director of Operations and former Director of Food Outreach, Deanna Ancil, recognized the need for a more sustainable solution to addressing the issues surrounding poverty. Inspired by Robert Lupton's critique of "Toxic Charity" (Lupton, 2014), they envisioned a program that fostered self-reliance in participants. This shift in philosophy led to the development of the UP™ program, transitioning from solely providing necessities to empowering youth to develop the skills needed to overcome poverty.

The arrival of current Program Director Kareen Dunn when the program was three months old marked a crucial turning point. Dunn's experience working with children facing similar challenges to his allowed him to refine the program and provide valuable coaching to staff members. This emphasis on staff development ensures effective program delivery and a deeper understanding of participants' needs.
Recognizing the limitations of traditional poverty-reduction strategies, this leadership team sought to develop a program that fostered self-determination and expanded opportunities for youth. Their focus on empowerment aligns with contemporary social work principles, as emphasized by Lester Parrott (2016).
While the UP™ program undeniably tackles the challenges associated with generational poverty, it takes a broader approach. The program acknowledges that all participants, regardless of income level, grapple with various personal struggles. These struggles may include anger management issues, anxieties, or even budding mental health concerns. The program incorporates strategies to address these challenges, fostering resilience and building healthy coping mechanisms.

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