Standing on solid ground

Warren-Forrest Counties Economic Opportunity Council

Susan Wonderling

Like many women at the end of their marriage, Susan Wonderling wasn't sure what was coming next. So she and her 1 ½-year-old daughter Katie moved back to Warren, Pennsylvania to be closer to her family. When they returned, they had nothing. "No food, no shelter, not even diapers," Susan recalled. Susan's mother provided them with a mobile home in which to live, but the mobile home was in need of maintenance and repairs.

Two years ago, Susan applied for a part-time bookkeeping position at Warren-Forest Counties Economic Opportunity Council (EOC) and was successful in obtaining employment. It was then that she learned of the many services available to her through the EOC.

From the beginning, the regular pay check helped Susan catch up on her bills. But EOC's Child Care Information Services provided far more than that. "I discovered how EOC offered child care assistance if I was able to secure enough working hours during the week," said Susan. "They have saved me a lot of money, enough to buy groceries and gasoline." Susan obtained winter coats two years in a row for her daughter through EOC's "Coats for Kids" program, administered by the agency's Community Services.

Last year she enrolled Katie in EOC's Head Start program. "Head Start has been absolutely wonderful in our lives," says Susan. "I can't tell you how much it has offered." Head Start provided food for the holidays, special programs to attend, and a lot of guidance.

But the help did not end there. Through EOC's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Susan received assistance on weatherizing her home and making it more comfortable and efficient. She was provided with weather stripping and a how-to book on installing insulation. With the book Susan was able to install new insulation in her trailer. "I installed a new door, put on a new roof coating, and replaced the bathroom floor and toilet," said Susan. "All because of that book."

Susan eventually left her job at EOC accepting a full-time position. "It made me cry when I left their employ," Susan admitted. "I just can't begin to tell you the friendships I've cultivated there. They are genuine and caring and truly do their jobs from their hearts."

What does self-sufficiency mean to Susan? "It means I can support my daughter and pay my own way without assistance. I have learned that it's okay to ask for help when times are tough--and it feels good to say 'no, thank you' when I don't need it anymore."

As the Community Action Agency serving Warren and Forest Counties, the Warren-Forest Counties Economic Opportunity Council works within its community to mobilize resources and networks that help its neighbors become self-sufficient.