Community Action Agency of
Delaware County
Monica Cook

Monica Cook came to the Community Action Agency of Delaware County (CAADC) in October 2003 without a job and without a home. She remembered that the agency had provided assistance to her in the past and realized that it could help her now.

Monica and her 14-year-old son, Kyron, had fallen on hard times when Monica was laid-off from her job at the Westin Hotel. Unable to find other employment, she fell behind in her rent and was evicted.

Potential, Determination and Focus
CAADC provided Monica and Kyron with immediate help by placing them temporarily in the agency’s Hotel-Motel Program. Her case manager, Thomasine Jordan, saw Monica’s potential and referred her to the Transitional Housing Program.

At the same time, Monica was close to completing the Certified Medical Assistant Program at Star Technical Institute, with the help of a Welfare to Work program. She was able to find employment as a nurses assistant while she completed the program. Monica took and passed the state board exam and received her Certified Nursing Certificate. As a result, her rate of pay at the nursing facility was increased by $3.35 per hour.

Through the Transitional Housing Program to which she had been referred, Monica and Kyron found permanent housing and moved into their new home in January 2004. Her Transitional Housing case manager, Brendetta White, also recognized that Monica was a determined and focused young woman.

Involved and Committed
She participated in budgeting classes and the Let’s Talk Love support group. Monica was also referred to the Family Savings Account (FSA) Program, where she has worked along with Terrance Capers, FSA Coordinator, to restore her credit. With a savings goal of purchasing a home, Monica has also been referred to the First Time Homeowners Program through the Chester Economic Development Authority.

Monica says she “does not want to think about where she would be without CAADC.” “Although I would have eventually got myself together, I don’t think I could have done it without securing housing first,” she adds. Monica continues, “CAADC Transitional Housing case management has enriched my life on so many levels. It has helped me to prioritize my daily goals as well as set life goals for myself. CAADC has brought a smile to my son’s face that is priceless.”

Case manager, Brendetta White says, “She was a joy to work with. She accepted case management with the utmost enthusiasm and worked hard with becoming self-sufficient. Monica has what it takes to excel in anything she does.”

Continuing to Move Forward
Monica is not where she wants to be yet but will continue to work hard to get there. She will successfully complete the Transitional Housing Program in September 2004, plans to eventually own a home and wants to become a registered nurse.

CAADC serves the low-income population of Delaware County with its Transitional Housing Program as well as a multitude of other services that include emergency assistance, literacy and life skills and weatherization.