Prescription for Success

Allegheny County Department of Human Services
Self Sufficiency Awardee from North Hills Community Outreach

Stephanie Nichol

In May 2004, Stephanie Nichol was referred to North Hills Community Outreach (NHCO), a subcontractor of the Allegheny County Department of Human Services, due to a shut-off notice issued by her local utility company. That one referral was the catalyst she needed to change life as she knew it.

North Hills Community Outreach initially assisted Stephanie with her utility problem and then moved on to address her other needs. NHCO helped Stephanie establish goals which included improving her financial status, getting her driver's license, finding more adequate housing and maintaining her son's, Robbie, health. Stephanie's long-term goals were to purchase a vehicle and to pursue a degree in nursing.  

Aileen Birch, Department of Human Services' case manager and services coordinator, helped Stephanie begin working on her goals. Stephanie enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) as well as the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Through a local health care agency, which provides long- and short-term health care and therapy services, Stephanie learned the appropriate way to care for Robbie.

In order for her to become totally independent, Stephanie knew she needed to obtain her driver's license. With NHCO's guidance, she navigated through the application process, first getting her learner's permit and, in October 2004, her driver's license. She then explored housing opportunities, completing a subsidized housing application, which led to her and Robbie moving into a nice two-bedroom apartment.

Stephanie now needed to focus on growing her income. Aileen of NHCO suggested that Stephanie contact the local CareerLink in order to pursue additional employment options to her part-time job at K-Mart.   She created a resume and, working closely with NHCO's employment specialist, soon found a second part-time job as a caregiver. With the assistance of NHCO's Ask the Attorney program, she increased the amount of child support payments and received payment assistance with her utilities by enrolling in several programs provided by local utility companies. All of these events helped Stephanie to increase her monthly cash flow.

Upon reaching her short-term goals, Stephanie turned her sights to purchasing a vehicle and pursuing a career in nursing, her two long-term goals. By using the budgeting skills learned, and picking up extra shifts whenever possible, Stephanie was able to save enough money to purchase a vehicle to provide stable transportation for Robbie and herself.

In May 2005, Stephanie enrolled at the Community College of Allegheny County where she completed all of the basic nursing requirements. With a donated refurbished computer and several scholarships, she then enrolled at a local nursing school. In May 2007, Stephanie graduated from nursing school as a licensed practical nurse. Her new goals are to continue her education by pursuing a registered nursing degree and to purchase a home.

Faced with what seemed to be insurmountable barriers over the last several years, Stephanie has developed the drive and determination to continue pursuing her dreams on the path to self-sufficiency.With the help of Community Action, Stephanie has moved from a position of despair to become an inspiration to everyone at North Hills Community Outreach.

North Hills Community Outreach is a subcontractor of the Allegheny County Department of Human Services, the Community Action Agency serving Allegheny County   outside the City of Pittsburgh