Ms. K. T. entered the Self-Sufficiency program on November 1, 2021. ACCSA staff completed an initial individualized assessment to evaluate Ms. T’s eligibility and participation in the program.  Ms. T. is a single parent with two young children living in the house. During the time of assessment, it was noted that she was residing with family and was eventually able to obtain her own housing. Ms. T. advised that she had two jobs during the initial assessment, one of the jobs being in the hospitality industry and another position in sales. She was earning a total income of $1,984 per month when enrolled in the Self-Sufficiency program. The participant and Case Manager developed the following goals: maintaining housing and increasing income. After multiple meetings with the Case Manager to discuss better employment strategies, in February 2022, Ms. T. informed the Case Manager that she was promoted to Management. She provided her pay stubs showing income had risen to $3,460 per month, and was able to end working two jobs. During Ms. T’s participation in the CSBG Self-Sufficiency program, she received services from ACCSA for employment and housing, and referrals to obtain various resources.  Ms. T’s case is an excellent example of what a committed individual can accomplish by staying focused, as well as maintaining and executing a plan for success. 

Mr. W. D. applied for the Cares NC Program in July 2020 after receiving a referral.  At the time, Mr. D. was 56 years old with an eighth-grade education, single, no children, and unemployed. He had become unemployed due to the Covid-19 Pandemic and did not receive any unemployment benefits. Mr. D. was four months behind on his rent, and his landlord had taken him to court for eviction. The only assistance he received at the time was Food & Nutrition Service Benefits and was facing considerable financial hardship and potential eviction. Mr. D. stated he had to stop going to school at Alamance Community College because he did not have the funds to continue with his education. Due to his loss of employment, he had become severely behind on his rental and utility payments and was seeking assistance to avoid eviction and maintain his housing. Alamance County Community Services Agency Case Manager completed an individualized assessment of the potential participant, and he was approved for the Cares NC Program. In addition to maintaining housing, it was determined that gaining employment would assist Mr. D. in sustaining his housing. After being approved for the CARES NC program, he received the following services while in the Cares NC program; electricity and rental assistance, and employment coaching. Mr. D. made the following accomplishments while in the Cares NC program; he avoided eviction, maintained housing, and gained employment. He received referrals for varied needs and was referred to Alamance County Community Services Agency’s Self-Sufficiency program. Mr. D’s case is an outstanding illustration of what a person can accomplish by remaining engaged.

A little background on the individual involved with this success story. “C.A.” entered into the Self Sufficiency Program on June 6, 2017. She was referred to ACCSA by the Division of Employment Services (formerly Employment Security Commission). When admitted to the CSBG Self Sufficiency Program, “C.A.” had recently lost her job and was a single mother of one child. She was requesting assistance with gaining employment, education assistance, and job search assistance. At the time, the family was living below the poverty level, and in an unsafe neighborhood. ACCSA Intake Specialist completed an individualized assessment of the potential participant, and her documentation was submitted, and then approved for the Self-Sufficiency Program. The Case Manager and “C.A.” set major goals, which were: gaining full-time employment, maintaining housing, and obtaining a Bachelor's Degree. Numerous additional goals were developed as the client progressed through the Self-Sufficiency program. In July of 2017, “C.A.” secured a job making $20.00 per hour, working 40 hours per week. She has maintained her employment through today’s date. The current income documented for the family is $38,208.00, greatly exceeding the poverty income guideline for a family of 2 of $16,240.00. Since enrolling in the Self-Sufficiency Program, “C.A.” moved to a safer neighborhood, obtained better employment, and has continued her education at North Carolina Central University, where she graduated with her Bachelor of Science Degree in Behavioral and Social Sciences in December 2018. She has since gone on to a Master’s Degree Program and became a homeowner. ​While in the Self-Sufficiency Program, “C.A.” received the following services: advocacy, food assistance, education assistance, referral for credit counseling, attended home ownership interest workshops, housing assistance, and utility services. “C.A.” case will be closed as a glowing success. She shines bright as a great example of what a committed individual can accomplish.