Moving forward

South Central Community Action Programs

Paula Ray

Drugs had ruined her life, her marriage and had almost destroyed her family. However, Paula Ray had worked hard to beat her addiction and was looking for a fresh start. She came to Gettysburg in January 2005 ready to build a stable life for her children. She needed housing, employment and childcare; she needed help.

Paula received transitional housing from the Adams County Rescue Mission, while the Single Point of Contact program helped to address her employment needs. However, in order for Paula to obtain employment, she needed child care for her four youngest children; that is when she was referred to South Central Community Action Program (SCCAP). SCCAP's child care referral and subsidy program, Child Care Information Services, advised Paula on quality child care and referred her to programs within walking distance of her home. Paula enrolled her children in the local Wee Care Learning Center. Not only did it provide Paula with the peace of mind that her children were being cared for, the center has a partnership with Gettysburg College which offers one-on-one tutoring and interaction twice a week.

Through SCCAP, Paula also got involved with numerous other programs and resources which helped her move toward self-sufficiency. After finding employment at a local hotel, she applied for the Family Savings Account program which maximized her savings ability. She worked hard, often working overtime to earn extra money so she could move from transitional housing to a house of her own. To help her afford heating and cooling costs, SCCAP's Weatherization program provided assistance to make her home more energy efficient. Paula was able to get assistance and health screening through SCCAP's Women, Infants and Children program, helping to ensure that she had good nutritional food for her children. SCCAP's food pantry helped to stretch her food budget and save money, enabling her to pay other bills on time.   

Paula has enrolled in the phlebotomy technician program through Harrisburg Area Community College and is on her way to earning her certificate. She hopes to move on to a four year college, obtain a business degree and start her own residential cleaning company. To help her learn the opportunities and challenges of owning her own business, Megan Shreve, SCCAP's executive director, referred Paula to the BusinessStarts program.

Paula says that, while the agency was a big help in getting her back on her feet, a lot of responsibility was on her shoulders to keep up her end of the bargain. Ultimately it was Paula's will and determination that lead to her success. She credits SCCAP with giving her the opportunity and the means to help get herself on track.  

"Had it not been for SCCAP, I don't know what I would have done," Paula commented. "I would not have been able to provide for my children and I would not be able to work. SCCAP has done great things for me. They opened the door, but it's up to me to apply myself."

South Central Community Action Programs, Inc. provides a variety of services to low-income residents of Adams and Franklin counties.