Changing How America Understands Poverty
From Survival to Shared Flourishing
A new framework for climbing out of poverty, and helping others do the same.
In Together We Climb, Jason Janz and Dr. Steven Taylor bring together lived experience, research, and community-powered solutions to reframe the national conversation and offer a bold, actionable model for restoring economic mobility in America.
The Book
A Guide for Climbing Out of Poverty in America
Poverty is the number one social problem in America—but it doesn’t have to be permanent.
Together We Climb isn’t just an analysis of what’s broken. It’s a blueprint for what works. Drawing from lived experience, real stories, and policy insight, Jason Janz and Dr. Steven Taylor reveal why poverty is the antithesis of the American Dream—and how communities can help individuals overcome it.
Release: October 2026
Pre-order today!
What’s Inside
Part 1
The Terrain — Seeing the Mountain Clearly
Part 2
The Map — From Crisis to Climb
Introducing the Mountain Model: four stages of economic mobility—stabilization, skill-building, employment, and ownership—supported by three essential forms of capital: economic, relational, and spiritual.
Part 3
The Guides — From Map to Motion
A map can’t climb a mountain. People do. This section is for employers, policymakers, neighbors, and leaders ready to stop spectating and start guiding the climb.
The Mountain Is Real. So Are the People Climbing It.
Many people. Many journeys. One truth: the climb is possible when someone walks alongside you.
THE MOUNTAIN MODEL
A Different Way of Seeing

Poverty, and How to Get Out
The American Dream isn’t dead. It’s just been out of reach.
 This is the map back.
Through the honest stories of others, you will gain a clearer view of your own life and work.
A Different Way of Guiding

People Up the Mountain
The Mountain Model shows us where people are. But a map isn’t enough.

People need guides who know the terrain, and who believe the summit is possible.
Three Pillars
Proximity
Getting close enough to know real stories, struggles, and strengths.
Possibility
Holding hope when others can’t—and believing people can lead their own lives.
Pathway
Building visible, connected routes up the mountain instead of isolated services.
Build A Navigation Alliance
Navigation Doesn’t Happen Alone
It happens through alliances, people taking shared responsibility for someone’s whole climb out of poverty to prosperity.
Personal
Be a guide for one
Organizational
Be a guide for one
Community
Coordinate the climb together
Systemic
Change the terrain itself
About
Who’s Behind This? Meet the Authors & SPEAKERS
Dr. Steven C. Taylor
Jason Janz
Co-Founder, CrossPurpose | Community Practitioner | Pastor
Tiffany Johnson
Climber | Navigated the Mountain | Informed the Solutions.
Partners
CrossPurpose — Proven navigation model
Join The Movement
The Mountain Is Calling
Millions are climbing. They need navigators.
Get the Book
Together We Climb releases October 2026.
Pre-Order the Book
Sponsor A Climber
Donate to CrossPurpose
