Northern Tier Community Action Corporation
Joyce Geyer

Joyce Geyer is a loving and devoted mother who had worked most of her life while raising her two children.

When she was diagnosed with degenerative arthritis, Joyce collected Social Security Insurance for a time but, after her doctor explained that walking would be beneficial, she found work as a security guard. When the job ended, she found two part time jobs whose combined hours totaled fewer than 20 hours per week and paid less than her security guard job. Her daughter, who was working part time, and her young granddaughter were living with her. Her son, who was collecting unemployment compensation, had moved back into the home after losing his funding for art school. As a result of the small amount of money that was coming into the home, the family was ineligible for Section VIII housing.

The family was barely making ends meet when Joyce’s hours were reduced even further. To make matters worse, Joyce was in arrears on her utility payments on the home she had lived in for 15 years. That’s when she called Northern Tier Community Action Corporation (NTCAC).

Help in the Midst of the Storm
Joyce applied for, and was granted, rental assistance through NTCAC. She also enrolled in their Case Management Program. With the assistance of her case manager, Joyce was able to make payment arrangements with the utility companies and was able to prepare a strict budget. She also was able to catch up on back rent. However, she was still struggling to support her family.

Simultaneously, Joyce’s daughter, Kim, 22, had her hours reduced and then was laid off. However, through communicating with her mother’s case manager, Kim learned of TANF benefits. She went on to discover the benefits of obtaining her own residence. And finally, she learned of Northern Tier’s Child Care Information Service (CCIS) which provided Kim with assistance in becoming a childcare provider.

Meanwhile, Joyce’s son, Aaron, 30, had exhausted his unemployment benefits and was still unable to gain employment. However, with the lower family income, Joyce was able to reapply for Section VIII Housing and, subsequently, had her rent reduced.

Taking One Step at a Time
With the assistance of her case manager, Joyce sought and found full-time employment at a local manufacturing facility where she has worked for the last six months. She continues to adhere to her strict budget and has all of her bills current. She even has a bit of extra cash to treat her granddaughter, 2 and a half year old Lindsey, to a dinner out every payday.

The 57 year old woman has felt stronger and happier since becoming involved with NTCAC and continues to take one step at a time. She has a good work ethic and is an avid walker, an exercise she finds therapeutic. She has been referring others to NTCAC and would like people to know that there is help as long as you want it.

According to Case Management Director Ellen Overton, “Joyce’s willingness to seek help from NTCAC for her family resulted in me being able to give the children and Joyce direction and support their decision to move on.”

In turn, Joyce credits her case manager, saying, “NTCAC was there when I needed help and encouragement. It is good to have someone listen and care.”

Northern Tier Community Action Corporation serves low-income individuals and families in Cameron, Elk, McKean and Potter Counties.