Achieving economic well-being

Commission on Economic Opportunity (CEO) of Luzerne County

Dolphus Teart

It was in early March of 2006 when Dolphus Teart was referred by the Luzerne County Assistance Office to the Supported Work Program at the Commission on Economic Opportunity (CEO) of Luzerne County.  

Dolphus had lost his job of 14 years with a local glass manufacturer when the plant relocated overseas. After the layoff, Dolphus went back to school full time for nine months to learn computer systems repair while he was receiving unemployment compensation benefits.

Providing for a wife and four children is difficult enough, but when Dolphus' unemployment benefits ended it became an extreme situation. Dolphus had been looking for work, but had been unsuccessful in securing employment. He applied for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits to provide for his family.

The job search had been very challenging for the then 50-year-old Dolphus. He found it difficult competing for positions with a younger, and often more educated, applicant base. But Dolphus remained focused on securing a job and returning to self-sufficiency.

When Dolphus' caseworker at the CAO told him about the Supported Work Program at the Commission on Economic Opportunity he was enthusiastic about getting started. After just six weeks of participation in the program, Dolphus secured full time employment as a computer repair technician. To get current on outstanding bills, he accepted additional work as a part-time respite worker at a local social service agency.   

In just a short time Dolphus was able to overcome his barriers to employment. CEO's Supported Work Program provided additional assistance with food, clothing, car repairs, eyeglasses and other support services. CEO empowered him to strive to his full capacity and be the best that he could be.  

"Community Action taught me to never give up on my goals," said Dolphus. He demonstrated early on that he had the skills and abilities but needed assistance getting past some hurdles.   Dolphus' caseworkers at CEO agree that the program enabled him to get back on his feet and restore his sense of pride.

"Had it not been for the help of Community Action, I might be homeless, jobless or even worse today," said Dolphus. "I found myself a displaced worker at age 50. Community Action showed me that with will, determination and the right help, anything is possible." Dolphus also said that he proved to himself and others that life isn't over after 50; there is always room for change and new beginnings.      

Today Dolphus Teart continues to excel in the workplace. His goal is to advance in the computer repair market and ensure that his daughters have the opportunity to complete college.

When he is not working, Dolphus spends time with his proud family and volunteers with Supporting Autism and Families Everywhere, a local autism support group. He also volunteers his time and talents at John Heinz Rehabilitation Institute in Wilkes-Barre where he plans social events for autistic children and their families.  

Commission on Economic Opportunity of Luzerne County provides programs and services to low-income residents of Luzerne County as they seek help in moving to independence.