Scranton-Lackawanna Human Development Agency, Inc.
Mindy Van Wert

After enduring a five-year rocky marriage, Mindy Van Wert realized that, for the sake of her two children and herself, she needed to leave the relationship. She had no job and was receiving no support from her husband. Mindy was desperate for help.

She turned to the Lackawanna County Assistance Office who referred her to the Scranton-Lackawanna Human Development Agency, Inc. because they had programs available to help Mindy move from her current situation to self-sufficiency.

Mindy enrolled in the Single Point of Contact (SPOC) Program in March 2004, determined to obtain the skills necessary for employment in the medical field.

Facing Challenges Along the Way
At first, things did not go as easily as she would have liked. Mindy faced numerous problems from an unhealthy marriage and had to cope with separation anxiety from her three-year-old daughter who had never been separated from Mindy. In addition, she felt guilty and lost all confidence in herself. Mindy also struggled with a car in dire need of repair, public transportation issues and rental payments.

Despite these difficulties, Mindy enrolled in the Nurses Aide Training Program through SPOC. With financial assistance for car repairs and emotional support from SPOC and the county assistance office, Mindy was able to rise above her difficulties. She completed nurses aide training with near-perfect scores and in May 2004 was certified as a nurses aide through the Department of Health and the State Board of Nursing.

Becoming Financial Stable
Mindy, 25, now works full time with Alzheimer’s patients in a long-term care facility. She finds the work rewarding and is now able to support herself and her two children, Gavin, 7, and Tori, 4. After giving herself the chance to depend on others, Mindy found the support she needed through the SPOC program. She has been able to overcome financial burdens and now is financially stable. And she now has the education she needs to advance in her desired field.

Mindy looks forward to furthering her education in medical studies in the registered nurse program at Luzerne County Community College.

Scranton-Lackawanna Human Development Agency is the Community Action Agency that serve the low-income population of Lackawanna County.