What is poverty? Why does it matter? What does it mean to be trapped in poverty? How can I help someone in poverty?

Shepherd Community’s custom curriculum, Poverty 101,  goes beyond simple research and study, offering you an immersive, hands-on opportunity to see, feel, and interact with poverty. Taught by Shepherd Community Chief Learning Officer Tim Streett, you’ll learn through real-life examples, find a deeper understanding of the mindset of poverty and the faces who live it daily, and how poverty extends beyond mere finances.

Our 2026 Lunch & Learns will be a FREE 8-session journey into Shepherd’s Poverty 101. Through research, authors, perspectives, and 40 years of experience at Shepherd Community, Poverty 101 is an opportunity for you to truly understand what poverty is, why it matters, and the assets needed to break the cycle. Every Lunch & Learn session includes a complimentary lunch and will last from Noon to 1:30 pm.

RSVP on the form below and mark your calendars* for these incredible,
transformational opportunities, happening on the second Friday of each month:

 – Friday, March 13
 – Friday, April 10
 – Friday, May 8
 – Friday, June 12
 – Friday, July 10
 – Friday, August 14
 – Friday, September 4
 – Friday, October 9

Poverty 101 can also be taught in six- or eight-week classes, as a weekend retreat, a one-day seminar, or various other options. If your business, organization, or church is interested in hosting Poverty 101, please email Chief Development Officer Kolton Williford

*We understand that eight sessions are a big commitment, and you may not be able to attend every session of Poverty101. If you know you will have to miss a session or an emergency comes up, we can provide materials to supplement your absence from a session so you receive the full Poverty 101 experience.