Community Action, Inc.
Melinda Holliday

When Melinda Holliday left high school in her small rural Pennsylvania community she was only 16 years old and in the first few months of repeating the 9th grade. Taunting and pressure from her peers had totally destroyed the safe environment Melinda needed in order to continue learning. She remained in her parents home, too young to get a job, and struggled for a time on the direction her life was taking. By the end of that year, she realized that she would need to finish her high school studies if she was ever to become self-sufficient.

A Story of Hope and Action
Melinda was familiar with the challenges that lay ahead of her when she chose to obtain her GED. She had watched her mother survive exhausting hours of study and take the test three times before securing her own GED diploma. Melinda was inspired by her mother’s experience, however, and knew she would have to work even harder if she was to pass the test on first try. She also knew that, by building on the strengths of her family and friends and taking positive action, she could reach her goal.

Melinda was accepted for early enrollment in the Adult Education Project at Community Action, Inc. Melinda teamed with three friends from high school and continued to study with the group for over two years, often struggling against self-esteem issues stemming from the stigma of being raised in a rural, low-income environment. Melinda maintained focus on her goal and, when things got confusing, turned to her instructors from Community Action, Inc., her mentors from the area Youth Program and her family and friends.

In March 2004, Melinda took and passed the GED exam on the first try.

But she didn’t stop there. Melinda returned to Community Action, Inc.’s GED classes in late April 2004 and shared her experiences with other students. She was able to reduce their fear and, at the same time, give them hope and confidence. Until the end of the session, Melinda continued to work with her peers.

Volunteering to Help Others
Melinda understood how she could share her individual skills, abilities and experiences with other students; she unselfishly registered with Community Action, Inc.’s Adult Education Office to become a Volunteer Tutor. Melinda, now 20, plans to use her abilities and talents, to share her educational and life experiences and hopes to provide a new enthusiasm for learning and exploring ideas.

An Integral Part of An Organization
Melinda currently lives in a single family home, with a rent-to-own option, and is working full time with a youth group employment agency in general maintenance, mechanics and repair. Of Melinda, her supervisor says, “Melinda has been a terrific, dependable and cooperative worker; a real pleasure to be around! I have watched Melinda develop from a shy, timid individual into an integral part of our organization.”

Melinda’s future plans include enrolling in a post-secondary school where she will study computer hardware and software. She’d also like to start her own business, utilizing her new skills.

Community Action, Inc. is the Community Action Agency established to combat poverty in Jefferson-Clarion Counties.