Berks Community Action Program
Siobhan Sullivan-Norfleet

Siobhan Sullivan-Norfleet had mapped out her life. She would get an education, have a steady job and have a place for herself and her children. But along the way, Siobhan was forced to take a few detours.

In August 2000, she found herself living in the Reading/Berks Emergency Shelter with her fiancé and two small children. Six months pregnant with her third child, she turned to Berks Community Action Program (BCAP) for help.

A Successful Partnership
Siobhan enrolled in the Team Program, a GED preparation program. Within a span of three weeks, Siobhan moved into Glenside Housing, gave birth to her daughter and sat for and passed the GED exam. It was a true testament to her drive and determination to succeed with what life has handed her.

In April 2001, Siobhan entered BCAP’s Supported Work Program, which helped her gain the skills and confidence she needed to secure a full-time job at the YMCA Day Care Center. A month later, she got married and, even though during the next two years her husband would make some negative personal choices, Siobhan remained steadfast in her journey. She stayed on course and forged ahead.

Living the Dream
With a secure job, Siobhan began to work toward her dream of having a home for her children, which she started by building her credit. In April 2003, she enrolled in the BCAP Budget Center’s Budget Counseling and Pre-purchasing Counseling programs as well as the Family Savings Account program from which she graduated in April 2004. Siobhan found a home, a rent with option to buy, made settlement in July 2004 and moved in this past August.

Siobhan now is planning her future. She is learning to drive and plans to purchase a car when she can. She recently took the civil service test for a nurses’ aide position and is waiting for her score. Siobhan also plans to enroll in a nursing program when her youngest child is in school full-time.

Helping People, Changing Lives
In Siobhan’s words, “I think BCAP was the first important step in my journey to getting my life on track. When you have people who really want you to succeed and they care, it makes a difference. The hardest part of overcoming all of my obstacles was to stay focused and not give up. I feel that BCAP provided stability and structure when I needed it most. Whenever I felt like I was overwhelmed or had a question, there was always someone available.”

She continues, “BCAP made me believe in myself and be able to show my children you do not have to be a statistic! Self-sufficiency to me means that it is my call. I pay my bills. I am responsible for me and my kids. There is no one to stand over me to make sure the job is done.”

Berks Community Action Program serves the low-income population of Berks County with programs that include GED preparation, the Supported Work program and the Family Savings Account program.