South Central Community Action Partnership
Judy Tressler

When Judy Tressler decided to move half way across the state to Chambersburg from Waynesboro, she knew she was leaving a life behind. But recognizing the desperate need for a new start, she gathered her two daughters – Sarah Munn, now 12, and Hannah Munn, now 3, and left.

The family lived in a shelter at first, and then was able to move to a hotel with the help of Judy’s sister. Eventually the family of three moved into an apartment, but the move did not mean Judy was self sufficient. She needed help getting by and didn’t have consistent child care or a driver’s license. On top of that, Judy was sharing with her sister the responsibility of caring for her elderly mother.

Because of the assistance she was receiving, the Franklin County Assistance Office required Judy to attend an employment and training program. She was referred to the South Central Community Action Partnership’s (SCCAP) Supported Work Program.

When she began the program in January 2003, SCCAP was able to help Judy register for the food pantry and WIC. Her daughter, Hannah, was referred to Head Start and the agency worked with several churches to help furnish her apartment.

She also gained some of her work experience at SCCAP helping with employment services, the Emerge House and Wee Care, the food pantry and Child Care Information Services, a program she was able to join once she achieved full-time employment.

In just over six months, Judy had found dependable child care that her daughter loved and was close to home. And with a lot of hard work, she obtained her driver’s license. The county assistance office helped Judy buy a car, which allowed her to search for a job in her own vehicle, making the search much easier. SCCAP helped her practice her interview skills, buy appropriate clothing and find a job suited to her skills.

The hard work paid off – Judy was hired by a cleaning company at Target. Not long after being hired, Judy was promoted to a supervisor’s position and given a raise. She’s been working there 10 months and no longer receives cash assistance.

But full-time employment threw up other barricades for Judy – she needed to be at work before Hannah’s day care opened. Undeterred, Judy sought the help of a neighbor who was willing to take her daughter to day care in the mornings. Then her car needed repairs. But SCCAP was able to help in finding a mechanic and arrange for transportation on the days while the car was in the shop.

Judy also made three unexpected trips to the hospital with her mother, but made up the time in the program. She scheduled visits with her mother during her time off, mainly in the evenings and on weekends.

Through everything, Judy never lost her focus on maintaining her job, which was her path to self-sufficiency.

Because of her good attitude and work ethic, Judy is well known throughout SCCAP and even brings her daughter in for visits when possible.

“I think SCCAP is a great agency,” Judy said. “I feel at home here. Everyone is encouraging and goes out of their way to help you. If you have the right attitude and commitment when you come here, you will succeed. I am glad SCCAP is a part of my family’s life.”

South Central Community Action Programs Inc. is a Community Action Agency serving low-income citizens of Adams and Franklin counties.