The Confidence to Achieve

Community Action Agency of
Delaware County

Cory Long

In June 2004, twenty-eight-year-old Cory Long and his 10-year-old daughter, La'Myah, were living with family.   With income below the poverty level, it was impossible for Cory to secure permanent housing.   With no money saved and a low-paying job, one of his family members referred Cory to the Community Action Agency of Delaware County, Inc. (CAADC), a move that would put him on the road to self-sufficiency.

When Cory first came to CAADC, he received assistance with his utilities then met with life skills and family savings account coordinator, Terrance Capers. With Terrance providing guidance, Cory immediately enrolled in the Family Savings Account (FSA) program and began saving toward the purchase of a home.  

In order to reach his goal of self-sufficiency, he attended and received certificates in a number of CAADC's education and training workshops including Money Smarts, credit repair, housing education and business. Cory also attended and obtained a certificate through the First-Time Home Buyers Program.  

Almost three years to the day after coming to CAADC, Cory was able to purchase a lovely home for La'Myah and himself in Linwood, Pennsylvania. Yet that was just the beginning.

Through CAADC, Cory learned of Chester Microenterprise, a program that helps individuals develop a business plan, network and apply for grants, loans and business financing. With their assistance, Cory went on to create Team MAC. The entertainment company partners with the Chester City Police Activities League and focuses on changing the lives of youth through mentorship, encouragement and positive influence.   Most recently, Team MAC has worked with school districts in Philadelphia and Chester to facilitate programs that target at-risk youth.  

When asked how the Community Action Agency of Delaware County changed his life, Cory replied, "It helped give me a second start in life and in building financial stability for my daughter." 

Cory plans to expand his business in the future and hopes to reach more lives in the community. He has managed to maintain a positive outlook on life and a will to succeed. Cory hopes to introduce people to CAADC programs and to share his success with others.

The Community Action Agency of Delaware County, Inc. serves the low-income population of Delaware County with a wide variety of services and programs designed to meet their needs.