For the the first time since its inception, Strive2Thrive has seen families graduate its entire poverty-fighting program. The seven dedicated families were honored in a special graduation ceremony at Porterfield United Methodist Church on Thursday.

According to Strive2Thrive program director Ausha Jackson, while all program participants must complete an initial 16-week course entitled "Getting Ahead in a Just Getting by World," which addresses basic poverty, Thursday's families went the full distance.

"We've had graduations before and used the term interchangeably," Jackson said. "But these are the 'real' graduates. They're 100 percent self-sufficient."

Following completion of the "Getting Ahead" program, participants have an opportunity to become "circle leaders" and be matched with 2-4 "allies," or volunteers, who offer ongoing support as the leaders begin achieving their goals.