Better People Graduate

Featured in The Oregonian

Better People graduate Carrie Bekooy was the focus of a story in The Oregonian of October 5 called "Escape from Welfare." To read the entire story, click the Oregonian logo:

A note from Chip Shields, Executive Director of Better People:

There is no mention in the story of Better People or how Better People has successfully addressed the issues that businesses complain of when hiring former welfare recipients. But at least in the case of the most troubled, antisocial clients, the article hits the problem square on the head. It takes note that a job, even a good paying job, is not always enough, particularly for antisocial clients who've been in trouble with the law. In cases of the antisocial client, there must be a component, like Better People's MRT, which addresses people's issues in a step by step psychologically-based therapeutic process that helps them become better, more reliable, people.

It is exciting that Carrie is getting well-deserved recognition for the incredible amount of hard work she has done in making an honest life for her and her son. Plus, it's refreshing not to have another stereotypical media picture of a minority as typical welfare recipient when most are white.

The story also underlines the need for better research nationally on what happens to people when they leave welfare. The folks at the Oregon Food Bank have kept track of welfare reform's effects. They call it "documenting the obvious," which is that poverty is getting worse. It's my view that in a competitive economic system, there will be winners and losers by definition, and therefore there should always be a minimum safety net that people won't fall under. It's no accident that the number of women in prison these days is multiplying. Over 70% are admitted for nonviolent offenses.

On a positive note, Carrie's raising money for the Better People Alumni Club at work, so if you'd like to support her in this endeavor, please stop by Northern Reflections in the Lloyd Center. Suggested donation is only $5. Help the Alumni Club further its mission of "People Recovering Their Lives, Reaching Out to Help Others."