Going the extra mile

Community Action, Inc.

Susan Swanlek

Even though Susan Swanlek suffered for 40 years with severe childhood onset diabetes, she always worked full time to support her 17-year-old son, Aaron, and herself. In 2002, after 68 eye surgeries, she had no alternative but to stop working and apply for Social Security Disability Income. As a single mother, Susan was struggling to meet basic household needs.  

In February 2005, Susan first came to Community Action, Inc.'s Comprehensive Self-Sufficiency Program, a strength-based family development program that helps families overcome personal obstacles and achieve self-sufficiency. With her case manager's assistance, Susan established the initial goals of obtaining employment and maintaining a monthly budget.

Susan followed through on referrals recommended by Community Action, Inc. She reduced her phone bill, acquired county transportation to medical appointments, secured help with her vision problems and received assistance with food needs, helping her create an affordable monthly budget. Susan also participated in all of the workshops her case manager recommended, finding nutrition education particularly helpful in regulating her sugar.  

In March 2005, Susan's ophthalmologist at the Eye Institute of Pittsburgh made her aware of a new eye operation that could improve her vision. Susan elected to have the surgery that April but, unfortunately, it was unsuccessful. This past January, Susan faced yet another side effect of diabetes and had to have two of her toes removed. Always resilient, Susan came back to Community Action, Inc.'s office shortly afterwards with a new determination to seek and obtain employment.  

With the help of her case manager, Susan updated her resume and forwarded it to local trucking companies where she had past experience. Her case manager helped her to obtain training and supportive services through the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation.

Susan applied at Goodwill Industries at the suggestion of her case manager. She was interviewed and was immediately hired. Susan began working part time and, after being unable to work for four years, felt as if she had received a new lease on life. She now set her sights on reducing her need for food stamps, medical assistance and housing assistance.

Susan needed help with aspects of her living arrangements, specifically with her utilities. She qualified for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) but needed further assistance. In May 2006, with the help of her case manager, she applied for a grant through National Fuel's Neighbor for Neighbor Program which assists people with disabilities. The grant was approved, bringing Susan's bill current and eliminating the threat of termination. She qualified for the Community Action, Inc. Emergency Food and Shelter Program and the Help to Others Program which provided assistance with water bills and education on energy conservation.

With Community Action, Inc.'s guidance and her own personal sense of determination, Susan is doing well, is self-sufficient and has been able to open an Individual Deposit Account (IDA).   Although her balance is small, Susan has every intention of continuing her savings and is looking ahead to a brighter future.   She has been employed at Goodwill Industries for over three months. Her employer is pleased with her performance, continues to assign her new job responsibilities and has increased her wages. Susan has volunteered at her church for over a year, remains goal oriented and continues to seek better employment.

Community Action, Inc. serves low-income residents of Jefferson and Clarion counties with programs designed to combat poverty and move individuals to self-sufficiency.