Mobilizing community resources

Blair County Community Action

Jessica Miller

A 17-year-old high school junior and the mother of a 22-month-old daughter, Jessica Miller was facing some of life's hardships. She was homeless, unemployed and very scared. That is when she found the Blair County Community Action Agency (BCCAA) and began a new lease on life.

In May 2003, the Homeless Program at BCCAA helped Jessica establish her initial goals: obtain safe, clean, affordable housing; apply for a Section 8 housing voucher; gain employment; finish high school and continue her education within the medical field.

Jessica began immediately to work toward achieving her goals. With the assistance of BCCAA Jessica enrolled in the Transitional Housing Program, relieving the burden of monthly rental payments. She studied hard and graduated from Altoona Area High School. After graduation, she enrolled in the Computer Learning Network and found employment at a local pharmacy. 

While focusing on her family and career studies, Jessica utilized many of the programs BCCAA had to offer.  She enrolled in the utility programs to help her with her gas and electric bills and went through budgeting classes provided by the Housing Counseling Program to help her establish a monthly budget.  Upon receiving the Section 8 voucher for which she had applied, Jessica registered for BCCAA's Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program and has been saving money. 

"Jessica has had a tremendously positive impact on other young, single parents," said Ken Leonard, case manager. "She is the type of person who really makes you proud to be a case manager."

Jessica recently got married and has been successfully moving forward in her life. She and her husband have solid full-time employment and are moving towards owning their own home.

"I can not imagine what Savennah [her daughter] and I would have done or where we would be if it weren't for BCCAA," said Jessica.

Blair County Community Action Agency acted as a mobilizer, bringing resources, guidance and encouragement so that Jessica could realize her goals and provide a stable life for her daughter. By providing case management, monthly rental payments, educational and utility assistance and budgeting classes, BCCAA empowered Jessica by giving her the resources and tools she needed to succeed.  

Blair County Community Action Agency helps low-income people in Blair County achieve and maintain self-sufficiency.