A story about a CSBG client assisted by Tri-County Opportunities Council (TOC) serving Bureau, Carroll, LaSalle, Lee, Marshall, Ogle, Putnam, Stark, and Whiteside counties.

Carol is a single mother of two.  Her goals included finishing her nursing degree and purchasing a home.  She first came to TOC in August of 2002.  She was initially enrolled in TOC’s Individual Development Account Program (IDA) to work towards purchasing a home.  She worked with her Family and Community Development specialist on a regular basis to gain the support she needed.

She was working fulltime as a Certified Nurses Aid but wanted to go back to school.  Her IDA payment was directly taken out of her check so she knew it would be deposited.  During this time she began nursing school with help from her family.  She was able to go to school fulltime and work part-time.  Carol completed her nursing program in June of 2004.  In September of 2004 with the help of TOC’s Home Buyers Program and the IDA program, she was able to purchase a home for her family.