Learning to Succeed

Greater Erie Community Action Committee

Melissa Elswick

When Melissa Elswick was referred to the Supported Engagement program of the Greater Erie Community Action Committee (GECAC) by the local county assistance office, she was down on her luck. Stuck in a low-paying job, she was unable to support herself and her son without public assistance. Through GECAC, Melissa had attended job readiness classes, however it was difficult to find a job with a family-sustaining wage.

Melissa had some medical training and expressed an interest in furthering her education in the home health profession. Her GECAC caseworker, Maureen Kennedy, referred Melissa to the GECAC Training Institute (GTI), where in May 2006, she was admitted to the Home Health Aide training program. Melissa entered the intensive, ten week accredited program with enthusiasm. Her student advisor, Eileen Olsen, said Melissa was "very motivated and committed to completing this training program."

While taking her classes, Melissa continued to receive employment assistance through GECAC's Supported Engagement program at the Erie CareerLink. The program provided her with gift card incentives for meeting participation requirements; assisted with getting a car and making a car insurance payment; provided a utility allowance; and helped with job readiness skills, including resume writing. While Melissa was attending classes and meeting other program requirements, she continued to support her son and care for her ill mother, with whom she lived.

In August 2006, Melissa completed her 100-hour internship and graduated from the Home Health Aide training. That same month she obtained employment at an independent home health care agency in Erie County. She continued caring for her mother and working at her new job but dreamed of obtaining better employment at a local medical center. When the home health care agency where she was employed began limiting her hours, Melissa's dream grew even stronger.

By January 2007, Melissa was ready to complete the Supported Engagement program. Two weeks later she called her case worker, Maureen Kennedy, to tell her that there was an opening at the medical center and she had gotten the job.

Melissa and her son now have their own home, she continues to be employed at the medical center and her employer is helping Melissa achieve her new goal of furthering her education. This past June, Melissa started nurses training. She hopes to become a registered nurse.

Greater Erie Community Action Committee works to eliminate the causes of poverty throughout Erie County.