New book argues communities, not just government, can break poverty cycles

Jason Janz and Dr. Steven C. Taylor say lasting economic mobility takes more than policy or personal effort. Their new book, Together We Climb, lays out a community-driven roadmap for helping people build careers, wealth and stability.

Why it matters: - Together We Climb argues that poverty is not only an income problem. It is also a problem of opportunity, relationships and support. - The book says lasting economic mobility depends on coordinated action from communities, employers, nonprofits, philanthropies and public leaders. - The message is aimed at people trying to expand access to education, work and financial stability at the local level.

What happened: - Jason Janz and Dr. Steven C. Taylor released Together We Climb: A Community-Driven Approach to Break the Cycle of Poverty and Build Prosperity. - Advantage Books published the title. - The book presents a roadmap for creating pathways to long-term prosperity through community collaboration. - Janz and Taylor say the book draws on research, real-world stories and lessons from communities across the country.

The details: - The authors say local leaders, employers, nonprofits and community members can help remove barriers that block economic stability. - The book focuses on connecting people to education, meaningful employment, supportive relationships and other resources. - The authors argue that the philanthropic, private and public sectors must work together to expand economic opportunity. - Janz is the co-founder and CEO of CrossPurpose, a Denver-based nonprofit. - CrossPurpose combines career training with personal development and support. - CrossPurpose has moved more than 4,000 people out of poverty. - Janz said people need opportunity, relationships and support to build a different future, and that access to those things can help families build careers, strengthen households and build wealth for the next generation. - Taylor founded ED2WORK®, which advises philanthropies, nonprofits and civic leaders on policy strategies that expand economic opportunity. - Taylor serves on the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia and is vice chair of the National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity, which advises the U.S. Secretary of Education on accreditation and institutional quality. - Taylor said economic mobility cannot be solved by government alone or by individuals alone. - Taylor said the book calls for policies that remove barriers, employers that invest in people and communities that connect people to education, skills and relationships. - The book is positioned as a guide for community leaders, funders, policymakers, business owners, nonprofit organizations and individuals.

Between the lines: - The book frames poverty as a systems issue rather than a single-program problem. - That approach reflects the authors' combined background in community development, higher education and workforce policy. - Janz's experience at CrossPurpose gives the book a practical model rooted in direct service. - Taylor's policy roles give the book a broader institutional and education-policy lens. - The core argument is that economic mobility improves when communities build multiple pathways at once instead of relying on one intervention.

What's next: - The book is intended to help readers adapt its lessons in their own communities. - Community leaders and organizations can use the framework to design or strengthen local efforts that expand opportunity. - The authors are pitching the book as a tool for creating long-term prosperity that can carry across generations.

The bottom line: - Together We Climb says the path out of poverty works best when communities, employers and public systems move in sync.