Story 11: Weatherization brings a new homeowner out of the cold

From a recent recipient of Community Action's Weatherization program services:

Thank you so much for all that you guys did!

I bought this house as a foreclosure four years ago. It was pretty nasty when I bought it. Luckily, I have an awesome dad who helped me fix a lot of things. I've been slowly trying to save up and fix/replace things where I can. 

I had a decent-paying job for five years, but lost it over the summer of 2012. I was on unemployment for a while when I learned about the Community Action programs. I have been working since June but still trying to catch up on everything. Hearing that you guys were going to replace my furnace was awesome! I knew that was a big expense that was coming up soon. On top of that you did numerous other things around here.

I know this email isn't much, but I just wanted to say thank you and everything you did was much appreciated!

Story 10: Building a work history and college-bound

At 20 years of age with a lack of employment history, Jernae Hooks’ future job prospects looked bleak. But with the help of some dedicated staff and a positive outlook from Jernae, she’s moving forward to securing a brighter future for herself.

                

Kelly Fallon from Beloit Memorial High School started working with Jernae and referred her to the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) program and Nicole Pfundheller, WIA Case Manager at the Community Action Pathways Center. 

“Jernae came into the program with poise, determination, and a set of goals that she developed for herself,” Nicole said. “She was excited to work, but had not held any gainful employment up to that time.”

                

Together Nicole and Jernae found a work site for her so she could complete her work experience and become acclimated to the workforce. After successfully completing that work experience, Jernae worked on career development goals and learned about the federal financial aid system and how to apply to various colleges. Her most important immediate goal, though, was to graduate from high school with her diploma, which she accomplished in January 2015.

                

“WIA has helped me and continues to help me to succeed…I am very grateful for this program,” Jernae said.

                

Jernae is not done working with Nicole or WIA yet. She is currently registering for college for this summer and is excited to be taking some general education courses. Although she’s undecided what career path she wants to pursue at this time, she’s following her dreams, and WIA will continue to provide support for her future endeavors. 

Story 9: Homelessness where we live

Note: Royce DeBow, past Community Action Board president shared this story to illustrate his passion for Twin Oaks Shelter for the Homeless. DeBow passed away in 2014. We bring you his story in honor of Strike Out Poverty, supporting Twin Oaks.

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As a board member of Community Action Inc. of Rock and Walworth counties, I take pride in the programs we run that are aimed at creating pathways out of poverty. Whether it’s transitional housing, job training or other programs, the staff works to illuminate options for individuals in need.

With beautiful resorts, vibrant communities, diverse businesses, dairy and crop farms in Walworth County, as well as a state university and a technical college, many would view the area as a snapshot of middle class Americana. Rock County also enjoys diverse employers, ample farming operations and higher education opportunities with Beloit and Blackhawk technical colleges.

Both counties have arts communities, family businesses, medium and large employers, and quality public and private schools. Recreational opportunities abound. The lake communities in Walworth County and the Rock River bring tourists and visitors who infuse millions of dollars into local economies.

By comparison, our residents have lower than average incomes and more poverty than the typical Wisconsin county. Food pantries are active and social services administered by the counties are busier than most would agree they should be. We live in a place with more people in poverty than most of us likely realize. That truth was underscored for me personally during a recent experience. The church my family attends holds an annual gingerbread house event where families enjoy dinner and build a gingerbread house with supplies provided by the church.

While sitting in an early December Sunday service and hearing the pastor promote the event, it occurred to me that Twin Oaks Homeless Shelter, a Community Action facility on the Rock and Walworth county line, would likely have some families with young children.

The evening of gingerbread-house building, I signed out a church van to pick up three families from the shelter to attend the event. The van was filled with excited chatter from the kids about where we were going and what it would be like. Less than a mile from the shelter, one of the youngest children repeatedly said what a “great” car this was and what a “nice” car this was. Keep in mind; we’re talking about a plain white church van with vinyl bench seats. Then, the child said, ‘Mom, can we live in this car?’ While everyone continued their conversations anticipating the evening’s activities, the voice of that young child, plaintively asking if she and her family could live in the van, were the most shattering words I’ve ever heard.

Where we live is among many who we probably think are mostly like us, and, some who are more fortunate, and some who are less fortunate. What we may not know, is where or how they live and what can make a difference in their lives, especially those experiencing extremely difficult times. A young child’s plea to “live” in the “nice car” is unforgettable. Where we live, how we live, and how we see and help those around us is what can matter more than I ever realized before this experience.

Story 8: Stable housing and education provide a foundation in Beloit

Savanna enrolled in the PATHS Pilot Program last fall.  PATHS is a Pilot Program for youth ages 17-21 who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness and have been in the foster care system. The program is designed to provide supports in Permanent Connections, Academics, Training and Employment, Housing, and Social & Emotional Wellbeing to achieve self-sufficiency.  PATHS is funded by the Department of Children and Families and is operated as a collaboration between Rock County Human Services and Community Action, Inc. (CAI)

Savanna’s first experience with CAI was with Beloit Fresh Start. She enrolled in Fresh Start after missing three months of High School for medical reasons and fell behind.  Savannah wanted to graduate and enrolled in Fresh Start because it provided an opportunity to earn a High School Diploma.  Savannah was a star pupil in Fresh Start and received training as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) while enrolled in Fresh Start.

Savanna lost her job and was at imminent risk of homelessness due to an eviction notice from her landlord. With her previous connection to and positive experiences with Community Action, Savanna came through our door asking for a hand up. It was determined that she was eligible for our new PATHS Pilot Program. Through the Housing First Model, PATHS staff immediately secured housing for her for the next 12 months. With stable housing, Savanna is now able to focus on her goals to reach self-sufficiency while Community Action continues to eliminate barriers that prevent her from her goals.  With career guidance and college enrollment support by PATHS, Savanna is now enrolled at Blackhawk Technical College and attending regularly.

Savanna wanted to take her State CNA certification exam to open doors to employment but did not have the money to pay for the exam. With the financial support and transportation provided by PATHS, Savanna took her CNA state certification exam in December and passed it with flying colors. Because Savanna did not have access to reliable transportation, PATHS staff drove Savanna to apply for CNA positions at local nursing homes. Within one week, Savanna was hired as a full time CNA, making $10.10 per hour.  Her next goal is to secure reliable transportation so that she can maintain employment.  Savanna is also planning to continue her education once she completes her studies at Blackhawk Technical College and pursue a nursing degree.  

Story 7: A home with a puppy

Mary and Robert moved to Twin Oaks Shelter for the Homeless this winter with their four grandchildren. The couple had just gained custody of the children, who are all under the age of six. 

Mary is in her mid-forties and was injured while working at her full-time factory job in Fond du Lac. She suffered significant health problems as a result of the injury and ended up losing her job. Robert hadn't worked in years, but began working in a Walworth County factory after they lost their apartment and moved to the area to live with Robert's sister and brother-in-law. When they then gained custody of the grandchildren, there just wasn't enough room for them all.

Robert works the night shift and tries to sleep during the day in the room the six of them share at the shelter. It's still a small space, but Twin Oaks provides more than just a place to stay. The family participates in weekly workshops on budgeting, cooking, and other life lessons. Mary and Robert are working with their case manager at Twin Oaks to find an affordable apartment, preparing for job interviews and learning about financial literacy.

"I am so humbled and grateful for the room and food Twin Oaks is providing to our family," says Mary. She hopes to volunteer at Twin Oaks once the family moves into stable housing. 

An especially poignant moment for Mary was when her five-year-old granddaughter told her, "I hope we find a home so we can have a puppy."

Story 6: Overcoming obstacles to climb the career ladder

Jenny entered Community Action's Transitional Living Program (TLP) in Walworth County after staying at Twin Oaks Shelter for the Homeless in Darien. While a typical stay at the shelter is 90 days, Jenny and her six-year-old daughter had only been at Twin Oaks for a month before an opening was available in TLP.

Jenny experienced significant barriers to employment: she lacked reliable child care and transportation. She worked hard to overcome those barriers, and secured a job. When she left the program about a year later, Jenny was able to secure a higher-paying job and ultimately landed a permanent full-time position near Milwaukee.

Thanks to the new job, Jenny was able to find stable housing as well as child care for her daughter. They moved to the Milwaukee area to shorten her commute. Her case manager will stay in touch with Jenny to monitor her success and provide any referrals she may need.

              

Story 5: From part-time to provider

Tammy is a woman in her late 30s with three young children under the age of five. She provides for her children and her husband, who is on disability and unable to work. 

Tammy entered Community Action's Skills Enhancement program to improve her job prospects. She had been working 25 hours a week at $7.25 an hour. Struggling to make ends meet, Tammy wanted to enter training for a career that would not only increase her wages, but allow continuous upward mobility. While she entered the program with a high level of motivation, she also understood the sacrifices she would have to make while attending classes, working and caring for her family.

Working with her case manager, Tammy decided to enroll at Blackhawk Technical College to train to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. Her case manager guided her through course selection, purchasing textbooks and uniforms. Tammy's commitment showed as she excelled in her classes. While taking her classes, she was offered a job as a dietary aide at a local hospital. Once she completed the initial CNA training, Tammy decided to enroll in the advanced course, which would ultimately allow her to become a CNA at a hospital. 

The Skills Enhancement program again assisted Tammy with her tuition and books. Once she passed the advanced course, Tammy passed the competency exam. Shortly after passing the National Nurse Aide Assessment exam, Tammy was offered a position with a local hospital as a CNA in the surgical unit. 

She gladly accepted the position, and is now earning $12.00 an hour, working about 35 hours a week. Since her entry into the Skills Enhancement program, she is now working in an in-demand field with a bright outlook on upward mobility. Her hourly wage increase and increase in working hours, translates to an annual increase of $11,460. 

With help from Community Action's Skills Enhancement program, Tammy has met her goals and continues to strive for success in both her personal and professional life.