New Possibilities

Trehab Center

Melody Brace

In March 2007, Melody Brace came to Trehab, the Community Action Agency serving Wyoming and other counties, on the recommendation of a CareerLink representative. Melody's husband was employed as a heavy equipment operator in a stone quarry. The seasonal position often produced a drastic cut in winter hours, resulting in uncertain cycles of financial security. The winter of 2007 had been especially difficult for Melody, her husband and their four children. When she first came to Trehab, Melody was seeking training to secure employment that would improve her family's financial situation. Little did she know that Trehab would be instrumental in helping her start her own business.

Melody enrolled in the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Adult Program and was assigned a WIA career advisor. She was offered computer classes and career counseling which led Melody to the Assets Trehab Small Business Design and Management Program.

In addition to making a livable wage, Melody knew that she needed a flexible schedule to be available for her children. After considering several career options, Melody decided that opening her own business would give her the best flexibility and financial opportunities.

She began business training, but it was not easy. Melody found juggling home responsibilities and classes challenging. "Not only did I have to figure out how to get to two or three locations at the same time for different activities, adding night classes into the mix was quite the load to carry," said Melody.

Learning time management skills became one of the first steps in her success. Melody is quick to credit the Trehab program for providing attendance incentive gas cards to help her get to her class. Throughout the intensive six week Assets Trehab program, Melody learned about legal issues, bookkeeping, advertising, taxes, insurance and other pertinent business topics.

During her business training, Melody had been preparing fudge in a friend's commercial kitchen, adding it to another entrepreneur's existing gift basket business. Establishing a home business to make and distribute the fudge herself became her focus. She took samples to class and realized a boom in business. Orders began rolling in and soon Melody was offered an affordable store front location. Suddenly Melody and "Endless Fudge Confectionary" were in business, holding a grand opening in late July 2007.

Melody has accomplished a great deal in very little time. Her sincere appreciation for professional direction, instruction and a variety of Trehab programs and services were apparent when she said, "Trehab offered me practical, professional support and direction when I needed it most. They are valuable to our community and I couldn't have done it without the Trehab team."

Assets Trehab is one of many innovative programs the Trehab Center offers to low income citizens of Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, Wayne and Wyoming counties.