Donna Beegle, the founder and president of Communication Across Barriers, is dedicated to transforming the lives of those living in poverty through education and advocacy. With her own experiences as a single mother with limited education, Beegle has spent decades working to reshape the narrative around poverty and empower individuals to overcome its barriers.
At just 26 years old, Beegle was navigating life as a single mother with two young children, armed with only six months of ninth-grade education. A pilot program aimed at supporting displaced homemakers provided her with essential resources, including housing, which proved pivotal in her journey. This support allowed her to pursue her General Educational Development (GED) certificate, ultimately leading her to university at the age of 28. Reflecting on her journey, she states, “So much of my life is a fluke. I come from a line of migrant laborers, and I’m used to picking fruits in the day to have food at night.”
A significant turning point in her life was the mentorship of a supportive professor who helped her develop communication skills and navigate her path out of poverty. Together, they founded Communication Across Barriers in 1989, which focuses on providing poverty-informed education and resources. “He filed for a business license, printed out business cards, and listed me as president and himself as vice president. In 1989, we got our first contract,” Beegle recalls.
As of 2024, the United States is home to approximately 35.9 million people living in poverty. In response to this reality, Beegle has committed her life to educating society about poverty’s complexities. She emphasizes the importance of addressing the factors that contribute to poverty rather than blaming those who experience it. “I teach professionals and volunteers to fight poverty, not the people living in it,” she explains.
Through a variety of workshops, experiences, and keynote events, Communication Across Barriers aims to impart knowledge on effective strategies for making a difference. Beegle’s doctoral research illuminated the challenges faced by those with limited opportunities and influenced her approach to poverty alleviation. She identifies four critical pillars: removing the shame, rebuilding hope, reducing isolation, and connecting individuals to resources.
Beegle’s emphasis on understanding the unique experiences of individuals in poverty is crucial. “Our mistake is confounding a variety of circumstances and projecting the same capacity of support onto people with very different experiences,” she notes. This insight drives her commitment to tailor solutions to diverse needs rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.
To further support those in poverty, Beegle has pursued postgraduate degrees focused on the media’s portrayal of poverty. Her research revealed a lack of clear definitions and understanding surrounding the issue. The insights gained from her studies, combined with her own 26 years of experiencing homelessness, have shaped the organization’s initiatives.
One notable program is a two-day poverty immersion experience that allows participants to walk in the shoes of those living in poverty. “I try to help people realize the advantages and experiences that they take for granted and provide practical solutions they can use right away,” says Beegle. Additionally, she offers poverty-informed coaching to help organizations better understand systemic issues and implement effective countermeasures.
The Opportunity Community model developed by Beegle employs research-based strategies to foster connections between those experiencing poverty and those who are not. The If Not Me, Then Who program trains professionals and volunteers to cultivate meaningful relationships, assisting individuals in achieving personal success.
Beegle’s work extends beyond national borders. She has conducted training sessions in multiple countries and authored several books addressing the struggles faced by those affected by poverty. Her contributions to media outlets such as CNN and PBS have amplified awareness and informed the public about potential solutions.
Through her efforts, Beegle aims to shift societal perceptions of poverty from mere acknowledgment to informed understanding. “So much unintentional harm can happen when we’re not informed, and we can actually send people spiraling deeper into their struggles,” she warns.
From enduring deep generational poverty to having classrooms named in her honor, Beegle’s journey illustrates that poverty does not have to define one’s future. Her lived experiences, combined with rigorous research, serve as a beacon of hope for others. By inviting those not in poverty to walk alongside their neighbors and fostering understanding, Beegle continues to inspire change. “We have much more in common than we have differences,” she states, emphasizing her belief in the power of community.
