The finish line is in view

Allegheny County Department of Human Services,
McKeesport Collaborative

Lisa M. Wilson

Lisa Wilson suddenly found herself out on the streets. She had become homeless and was facing an uncertain future. Lisa had struggled with addiction in the past and did not want this situation to affect her 11-year-run at being clean. So she turned to the McKeesport Collaborative, a subcontractor of the Allegheny County Department of Human Services, for assistance.

The first step was to get Lisa off the streets and away from the temptations that could potentially draw her back into addiction. She found temporary shelter at the YWCA, allowing her to concentrate on her other needs. The McKeesport Collaborative then worked out a goal plan with Lisa that would bring consistency to her life. She needed guidance with budgeting and savings. She enrolled in the Action Housing Family Savings Program and learned how to better manage her money so that she could pay her bills on time, build up some savings and begin to repair her credit rating.

"With each small step I was able to see the bigger picture," said Lisa. She was able to understand how accomplishing smaller goals was helping to build her confidence and set her on the right direction for larger accomplishments - buying a house and raising a family.

Lisa has been vigilant at attaining her goals. The skills she learned from McKeesport Collaborative have allowed Lisa to purchase a new van and move forward on her dream of homeownership. She learned of the Mon Valley Neighborhood Initiative which builds new permanent housing and provides assistance in financing a home. With the money she had saved and with the guidance of the McKeesport Collaborative, Lisa was able to purchase a home of her own. "Achieving my goals became an inspiration for me. As I began to accomplish each of them, it made me want to do more," said Lisa.  

Lisa understands that McKeesport Collaborative has given her another opportunity to restart her life and in doing so has changed Lisa's life forever. She wanted to share that experience and give back a little of what has been given to her. Lisa began to offer a second chance to others by becoming a foster parent. Lisa cared for several children, helping to bring some stability to their lives, just as the McKeesport Collaborative had done for her. After several years as a foster parent, Lisa decided to tackle one her biggest goals - beginning a family. She set out to adopt several of the children that had been placed in her care. Lisa's determination guided her through the adoption process and the multiple obstacles she encountered. She is now the proud mother of a two-year-old girl and a set of four-year-old twin boys.

The McKeesport Collaborative provided advice, guidance and direction to Lisa, but it was always her decision to follow through and accomplish the goals that were established.  

"The McKeesport Collaborative has not only supported me in my decision and goal setting, they also have compassion, understanding and a listening ear when I just need to talk."

Since Lisa has begun her climb toward self-sufficiency she has not let anything stop her and she is not looking back.......she has the finish line in view.

The McKeesport Collaborative is a subcontractor of the Allegheny County Department of Human Services, the Community Action Agency serving Allegheny County outside of the city of Pittsburgh.