By Lindsey Doi

EUGENE, Ore. -- Rising out of poverty is no easy task. But this weekend, dozens of residents got a new tool to help make that process a little easier.

On Saturday, United Way of Lane County sponsored an "Opportunity Conference" -- an event that partners those in poverty with those who have the resources and contacts to succeed.

Organizers say building that network of support will help individuals end the cycle of poverty in their lives.

Nobody makes it out of poverty without help," explains conference speaker Dr. Donna Beegle. "And, traditionally, the way we address poverty is we say you have to be self-sufficient.  But human beings aren't self-sufficient. There's no such thing. We need each other."

Beegle says today's event was also important in breaking stereotypes. She says many of those in poverty work multiple jobs and can still barely afford to pay rent, let alone buy groceries to feed their families.