Community Action Helps People Get Ahead

By Michelle R. Hopkins, Community Relations Manager, Cincinnati-Hamilton County Community Action Agency

Two years ago Alexis decided that she wanted her daughter out of a regular day care and into a quality learning environment. She sought out Head Start, a curriculum Alexis knew she could trust, at the Cincinnati-Hamilton County Community Action Agency (CAA). A single mom expecting her second child, Alexis also signed up for Head Start’s Pregnant Moms Program. Unfortunately, hard times hit, Alexis lost her job and was forced to move back home with her mother.

Community Action Giving a Helping Hand to Neighbors in Need

Uneek Lowe, a Cincinnati resident suffering from a genetic brain disorder did not know what to do when the ceiling tiles in her dining room began to sag. With each passing day more tiles started sagging until half the ceiling looked as if it was caving in. "I thought, oh my god the whole ceiling is going to come down. It was a mess," said Lowe. Without the money to fix the problem, Lowe placed several calls to a local non-profit well  known for serving elderly and disabled homeowners. After weeks of waiting for an answer, representatives told her there was nothing they could do - her situation was not considered enough of an emergency.

Giving an Ex-Offender a Fresh Start

Brett had spent 18 of the past 35 years behind bars. Released for what he expects will be the last time, Brett began trying to get his life together. Although Brett wanted to turn over a new leaf and contribute to society, finding a steady job with five felonies on his record proved extremely difficult.

Community Action Workforce Development Program Helps Cincinnati Man Start New Career

James had a good job as a food processor, but when the recession hit, he lost this position. His resources were quickly diminishing and James knew he needed to increase his skills to find a new job.