Commission on Economic Opportunity (CEO) of Luzerne County
Carol Shaffer

Carol Shaffer was without a lot of things in October 2002 when she arrived at the Commission on Economic Opportunity (CEO) of Luzerne County. She was without a job, without a car, without enough money to meet her household living expenses.

But what she did have was very important – hope.

A single mother of two, Carol knew she needed to make a change for a better life for herself and her daughters. Her primary objective was to get a job but she realized many obstacles stood between her and that goal.

The 44-year-old Carol lacked transportation and the job skills necessary to retain full-time employment.

In October 2002, Carol was referred to the Commission’s Supported Work Program (SWP), which assists individuals transitioning from welfare to work. There she met with a career counselor to talk about her needs and goals.

Establishing a course of action, Carol forged ahead taking courses in computer and typing skills, job readiness preparation and interviewing skills – all with the overall goal of gaining employment. But her underlying motivation was to be a self-sufficient and positive role model for her children.

Carol was pleased to also receive a hand from CEO’s comprehensive services such as food, clothing and transportation vouchers, which helped her along with way. Carol and the Commission also worked with the Luzerne County Assistance Office to provide support for a vehicle purchase. Once Carol had a car, the two agencies also assisted with fuel and insurance payments to ensure Carol could get to the job – and back on her feet.

But no sooner was Carol on the road to recovery when life threw her another curve. Carol’s brother was diagnosed with a terminal illness and had moved back home with her elderly mother. Carol found herself as the care giver for both her sick brother and elderly mother. At the same time, her young daughter was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

Carol became depressed as a result of all of the challenges in her life. She was ready to give up on the program but the program was not ready to give up on her. Her career counselors at CEO worked intensely with Carol to provide not only employment and training support but also emotional support. It was that support that made all of the difference with Carol, providing her with a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on.

“CEO motivated me when I needed it the most and never gave up on me,” Carol said. “For that I am grateful.”

Despite the challenges, Carol’s determination to succeed helped her turn things around. Continuing to work with CEO, she improved her job readiness and computer skills and secured a full-time job as a receptionist. She also qualified for achievement incentives that the Commission offered for successful program enrollees. Once off cash assistance and back in the workforce, Carol found a new sense of pride.

More optimistic about life, Carol felt like more of a positive role model for her children. Ages 10 and 20. With this new outlook, she was also more confident in dealing with life’s challenges. Carol recognized that Community Action provided her with the tools necessary to gain full-time employment, purchase a car, face financial and personal challenges along the way and—most significantly—restore her sense of pride and self-confidence.

“Providing financial support is important but has temporary effects,” Carol said. “Making a commitment to help someone and then following through with that commitment is priceless and lasts a lifetime. That is what Community Action means to me.”

The Commission on Economic Opportunity of Luzerne County is a Community Action Agency established in 1965 to combat poverty in Luzerne County