Becoming Financially Stable

Community Action Southwest

Sherri Watkins

Sherri Watkins, a single mother of two daughters, Brittany and Lakrisha, first came to Community Action Southwest (CAS) in 1997 when she enrolled her eldest daughter in the CAS Head Start program. Little did she know she would return several years later and become a participant in their Family Self-Sufficiency program. But in June 2003, she did just that.

Sherri was at a critical point in her life, overwhelmed with domestic, financial and parenting problems. She was assigned to a family support coach who helped her assess her problems and establish goals, including enhancing her employment, managing her budget, establishing a better home life and obtaining wrap around services for her children.

Sherri attended Community Action Southwest's Family Savings Account budgeting classes to help her better manage her money. She participated in the agency's CAPWorks program and enrolled in various energy programs to help her maximize her budget. Programs designed to provide effective parent and family guidance, provided Sherri with help for her domestic problems. To help her achieve her employment goals, Sherri participated in a job training program through the Job Training Partnership Act and was enrolled in the Single Point of Contact program where she received her nursing assistant training and certification. Upon receiving her Certified Nursing Assistant designation, she was able to increase her income, is now earning a living wage and has become economically self-sufficient.

Linda Neill, Sherri's current family support coach, continues to work with Sherri on budgeting issues and enhancing her employment opportunities. "She is making remarkable progress," said Linda.

"I am motivated by the reminder of how well I am doing and how far I have come," said Sherri. She is striving to become a positive role model for Brittany and Lakrisha.

The hardships in Sherri's life have enabled her to become more aware of the needs of others. She organized a neighborhood festival to honor the support and guidance she received from Community Action Southwest. "Community Efforts" provided 150 children and their families with safe, family orientated activities. Sherri organized events, solicited donations from area businesses and coordinated volunteers for the festivities. Her goal was to share a feeling of hope that CAS gave her. The event was so successful that it will now be held annually.

Community Action Southwest works to identify the needs of those living in poverty in Washington and Greene counties and provides the programs and services they need to achieve self-sufficiency.