Taking the right steps

Northern Tier Community Action Corporation

George Carr

In March of this year, after abusing drugs and being incarcerated for most of his adult life, George Carr was referred to the Supported Engagement program of the Northern Tier Community Action Corporation (NTCAC) by the County Assistance Office (CAO).  

George came to NTCAC without a birth certificate, a driver's license or a vehicle. He was unemployed and his family was living in poor conditions. With the help of his case manager, Sharon Whiteman, he established goals that included getting a birth certificate and a driver's license, finding transportation, employment and new housing and remaining prison free.

George lacked self-confidence, believing that no one would hire him because of his background. It took some time, but George began to gain confidence in himself and soon became determined to make up for the lost time he had spent in correctional facilities. George yearned to provide a better, more stable environment for his family.

With help from NTCAC, George applied for and received both his birth certificate and his driver's license. The next step was to find George a reliable vehicle, giving him the transportation he needed to find employment. With assistance from his case manager, George was successful in finding the right vehicle for his family and himself.

George was thrilled with what he had accomplished thus far. He once told Sharon, "See what happens when you start doing the right things? Good things start happening to you." Sharon says she knew from that point on that George was going to accomplish the remainder of his goals.

With his case manager's guidance and assistance, George was able to create a resume highlighting the skills he had learned and used while he was incarcerated. He searched newspapers and the Internet while he and Sharon worked together on interviewing skills and the interview process.  

Within a month, George found and accepted a temporary position with a local packaging company and, during his first week of employment, received compliments for his hard work. George recently found permanent full-time employment as a roofer and will receive benefits after his probationary period.

When asked how NTCAC helped him, George said, "From the encouragement given to me by the Supported Engagement staff, I will continue my drug-free life and provide for my family.   Because of them, I know how to do this. Without their confidence in me I might still be using drugs and facing another prison term."

Northern Tier Community Action Corporation provides programs leading to self-sufficiency in Cameron, Elk, McKean and Potter counties.