Overcoming numerous obstacles

Berks Community Action Program

Fatimetou Khalil

Born in Sierra Leone, West Africa, Fatimetou Khalil's childhood was disrupted at the age of 14 when her father relocated the family to the safer, less volatile area of Senegal. At 18, she married a Senegalese man with whom she began a family. Her husband passed away after 16 years of marriage and suddenly Fatimetou was faced with raising a child alone.   

For political, social and personal reasons, Fatimetou immigrated to the United States and, in 1997, moved to Philadelphia. The adjustment was difficult and she returned to Senegal, only to return to Philadelphia again in 2000. Eventually, she remarried and had three children. The marriage began to deteriorate and after a few years Fatimetou found herself alone again.

In August 2004, Fatimetou and her four children relocated to Reading, Pennsylvania where they were able to find stable housing through Berks Women in Crisis.

Wanting to find employment to support her and the children, Fatimetou was referred to the Supported Engagement program at Berks Community Action Program (BCAP) in December 2005 by the County Assistance Office. Fatimetou encountered numerous obstacles including a language barrier and the inability to drive yet she remained confident and had unwavering faith in God that things would get better. BCAP is helping Fatimetou study for her General Equivalency Diploma and, as a result, she now has a better grasp of the English language. Because she feels that education is the key to success, Fatimetou has completed a basic computer course and is currently studying to become an American citizen.

BCAP has connected Fatimetou with other resources in the community to assist her towards self-sufficiency. She is engaged in life skills and parenting training through BCAP's Family Center. Kim Moreno, family development specialist, says that Fatimetou survived unbelievable living conditions and "has pulled herself up and out of the insanity that was once part of her life."

Beverly Thompson, community specialist with the Supported Engagement program, feels that "in spite of financial, social and health constraints, Fatimetou strives to maintain a positive attitude and is determined to reach her goal of becoming a successful, self-sufficient parent and citizen. Her determination, tenacity and willingness to realistically address her problems have served her well."   

Fatimetou feels that the challenges in her life have made her strong and the support and education she has received from BCAP staff have given her hope. In her words, "I feel education will help me move ahead. I will work hard and do my best. I am in the right place with the right people."

Berks Community Action Program, Inc. provides services to low-income residents of Berks County with programs that strive to move people from poverty to self-sufficiency.