Standing On Solid Ground

Berks Community Action Program

Sonia Nhan

Becoming a teenage mother was not in the plan for Sonia Nhan. But the summer between her high school junior and senior years, she gave birth to her son Jovan. This event would challenge Sonia and eventually lead her to the Berks Community Action Program (BCAP), the Community Action Agency for Berks County.

Sonia knew firsthand how difficult life could be. She had been raised by a single mother and had to move frequently. Sonia wanted a more stable life for herself and Jovan. She worked hard to complete high school and found the courage to leave an abusive relationship.

Sonia understood the benefits of early education and wanted to enroll in a Head Start program. This led her to BCAP. The Community Action Agency runs a Head Start program that Sonia felt would meet her and her son's needs. She enrolled Jovan and started a successful relationship that has put her on the road to self-sufficiency.  

Sonia became involved as vice-chair of the Head Start Policy Council and soon became aware of the variety of services available to her through BCAP. Sonia wanted to improve her situation and knew that BCAP could assist her. She met with the staff and began to lay out a plan. Sonia's initial goal was to obtain an associates degree in social work. In December 2006, Sonia completed her studies and graduated from Reading Area Community College.  

In her quest to become more independent, Sonia knew that she and Jovan needed a home of their own. She attended several workshops through BCAP including budgeting and general money management. The information she obtained from the workshops helped her to create a money savings plan so she could afford a home.  

In June 2007, Sonia moved into her own apartment. She is proud that this was accomplished independently, without any financial subsidy. Sonia also has a strong support network thanks to her mother and other family members, the Head Start staff and the staff at BCAP. With the encouragement and guidance of this network, Sonia was able to move through her goals.

Sonia knows that enrolling Jovan in Head Start has been very helpful in preparing him for school and will provide him with a jump start for the future. Sonia sees herself as self-motivated and hard-working. Taking an active role in the Head Start Policy Council has given her more confidence and allowed her to establish positive relationships with new friends. Sonia feels that her involvement in the Head Start Policy Council "has allowed me to have a say in Jovan's education."

Sonia is scheduled to begin classes in social work at a local college in the fall of 2007 and dreams of one day owning her own home.  

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.