Union-Snyder Community Action Agency
Sabina Tuorto and Jason Knouse

January 2002 marked the beginning of a two-year working relationship between the Union-Snyder Community Action Agency and the Sabina Tuorto /Jason Knouse family.

Sabina and Jason enrolled in the Home Buyer’s Program, managed by Resources for Housing Incorporated. One of the program guidelines required them to follow through with case management services at the Union-Snyder Community Action Agency. The primary goal was to improve the credit score in order to obtain a mortgage. With some reservations, they entered the program and soon connected with Lisa Markel, case manager.

Building Assets
When they entered the program, Jason and Sabina already had some key elements for program success. However, there were various obstacles that plagued their path. Jason, who had stable employment, had no credit, no driver’s license and a limited understanding of budgeting. A stay-at-home mom to Justin, now 8, and Corinna, now 5, Sabina had credit, but the report reflected a number of collection items that made it unfavorable for obtaining a mortgage. As primary overseer of the household, Sabina assumed responsibility for budgeting their finances.

During the next two years, Jason worked on getting his driver’s license and establishing his credit, which proved to be an uphill battle. However, he made slow and steady progress and eventually established a favorable rating.

Sabina worked on her goals as well. In an attempt to establish and follow-through on a budget that included paying back past debt, the case manager offered support through intensive meetings. Sabina offered additional support to the family by completing Certified Nurse’s Assistant training and obtaining part-time employment with a local nursing home.

Living the Dream
At the end of the process, Jason, 25, and Sabina, 28, were notified that their mortgage application had been accepted. They closed on the house on August 30 of this year and are now proud owners of their first home.

Jason and Sabina feel more comfortable with their financial standing. They have grown over the past two years into community members who feel comfortable asking questions and taking an active role in improving their situation. And, they are content with having purchased a home, establishing good credit and being able to manage their money and their budget.

When asked how the Community Action Agency had assisted them in obtaining the mortgage, Sabina said, “Lisa showed us how to take control of our bills and our money. She is easy to talk to and it’s like talking to a friend.” To that, Jason added, “Community Action Agency helped me get my license and fix my credit. If it weren’t for the help from CAA, we’d probably be at a place where we couldn’t buy the house.”

Union-Snyder Community Action Agency provides a wide range of services to low-income people in Union and Snyder counties.