MACHIAS, Maine — “Stereotypes of people living in poverty in America are deeply embedded in our society,” according to nationally known speaker and educator, Dr. Donna M. Beegle of Communication Across Barriers. Beegle will present a daylong workshop 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 2, at the University of Maine Machias Performing Arts Center. The topic will be “Poverty and Change: Identifying Strengths and Challenges in Our Communities.” The event will be sponsored by the Community Caring Collaborative. There is no cost to attend the workshop.

Geared for those interested in learning how to communicate more effectively and build relationships with students, clients and neighbors challenged by poverty, the workshop will provide an understanding of the realities of poverty in the United States and strategies to help others break out of poverty to improve their lives and their children’s lives.

Growing up in a family of migrant workers and living in extreme poverty until age 28, Beegle has first-hand knowledge of what it means to live without hope of getting out of poverty.

Beegle is the author of “See Poverty, Be the Difference,” a resource guide for communicating and working more effectively with people who live in poverty. Signed copies of this book will be available for purchase at the workshop.

Advance registration by Tuesday, July 3, is required. Visit www.cccmaine.org/training/one-day-trainings to learn more about the workshop and to register online, or call Christine at 207-255-8000.