Making a Change for Success

Union-Snyder Community Action Agency

Terri Adams-Motten

Living in a car was no way to raise a child, and Terri Adams-Motten knew it. Time and time again she had been homeless. With one child and another one on the way, Terri had finally secured an unsubsidized rental unit and vowed that she would work hard to never be homeless again.  

Terri was referred to the Union-Snyder Community Action Agency (CAA) in April of 2004 by the local Children & Youth Agency. To help her break the cycle of "chronically homeless," Terri sought assistance on household budgeting and money management. The Union-Snyder CAA's Family Development Program made Terri realize that ongoing issues in her life involved much more than developing budgeting skills.

Through Union-Snyder CAA's Self-Sufficiency Transportation Employment Program (STEP) and the local County Assistance Office, Terri was able to purchase a reliable car for work and afford adequate childcare. However, she continued to struggle with a limited income; desiring more than just the bare essentials for her family.

Terri began to feel that she had some control in her life's journey when another roadblock emerged. After the birth of her second child, she lost her job. Shortly afterwards, she was served with an eviction notice for nonpayment of rent. Though Terri was apprehensive about applying for the Union-Snyder CAA's Supportive Housing Program, Lisa Markel - Terri's case manager - saw this as the perfect opportunity to provide the intensive self-sufficiency services Terri desperately needed. After much encouragement, Terri reluctantly became a participant in the 12 month transitional housing program.   

As Terri reflects back on that time, she states, "I was so sick and tired of not knowing what I was going to do or where I was going to live, I thought, 'why not?' I had no idea this would be the best thing that was ever offered to me!"

Terri developed a set of realistic goals with the help of her case manager. She met with STEP's job developer and the life skills instructor on a daily basis. She also participated in weekly home visits from her primary case manager to monitor the progress of achieving the goals she set. Mental health counseling services were provided and Terri's self-esteem flourished.  

Inspired by her growing success, Terri was able to secure full-time childcare and obtained full-time employment as a personal caregiver and nanny for two-year-old twins. Throughout her participation in STEPS's Supportive Housing Program, Terri continued to follow the realistic budget she had created for herself and was successful in meeting her goals.  

As Terri puts it, "There were times when I thought, 'Terri, you deserve to splurge this week!' But then I kept thinking of the consequences that would follow if I made that choice. I learned to discipline myself."

Terri's steps to self-sufficiency have proven to be effective. After graduating from the Supportive Housing Program in 2005, she has continued to reside in the home that she obtained during her participation in the program. She has retained full-time employment for over two years and is self-sufficient.

"I have taken control of my life, rather than letting life control me. Thank you Community Action for believing in me when I didn't believe in myself!"

Union-Snyder Community Action Agency provides a wide range of programs and services to help low-income people in Juniata, Mifflin, Union and Snyder Counties reach self-sufficiency.