The focus was on a community response to needs of families and individuals impacted by poverty in the area.
Ruby Payne, originator of the program, defines poverty as the extent of which one does without resources.
Although the attempts to measure poverty differ widely according to circumstances in a culture, the resources needed are strikingly similar.
In addition to financial resources, necessary resources include equally vital relationship/role models, emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical resources, as well as knowledge of hidden rules, which may form barriers and backup resources available to access in times of need.
Conference participants were involved in many activities to assist in understanding the power and problems of outreach, as well as a key concept that building relationships builds resources.
Sponsors of the event included the Step Ahead/Literacy Council, Purdue Extension, The YMCA of Clay County, Rotary, Tri Kappa and Roberta Weliever.
Conference presenters were nationally certified trainers Annette Lawler and Karen Hinshaw of Purdue Extension.