A story of a CSBG client assisted by Madison County Community Development serving Madison County.

At one time Katie owned her own home and a nice vehicle, but she also had a live in boyfriend who was selling drugs from the house.  He was eventually arrested and both were sent to jail.  Katie lost everything, including custody of her two children.  After spending 4 years in prison, she was released to a halfway house.  From there she was referred to the Madison County Community Development (MCCD) Emergency Shelter Program.  Katie met with her case manager to develop personal goals.  Her goals focused on employment, transportation, education, budgeting and life skills.   MCCD assisted her with car repairs and insurance to give her reliable transportation.  She was also assisted with food and given information on area food pantries.  Katie was able to obtain employment at an auto impound yard where she had worked before.  She successfully completed her stay in the Emergency Shelter Program and was invited to enter the MCCD Transitional Housing Program.  MCCD furnished Katie’s transitional home with furniture from a local vendor and provided inspection of the unit to make sure the house was up to code. While in transitional housing, she continued to work full-time and go to school to increase her earning potential.  MCCD also assisted with her utility bill to get her utilities connected in her new place.  Her case manager gave her information concerning landlord and tenant responsibilities, lead paint, local social services, etc.  MCCD also paid for Katie to continue her education paying for her to complete two courses, one in EKG and another in Phlebotomy.  She is currently enrolled in computer classes. Katie is determined to work her way back to where she was before prison.  She wants to own a home and get custody of her youngest child, who she visits, though he doesn’t know she is his mother.  She will tell him as they build a relationship.  Her oldest son is living on his own and helps her out.  Katie’s drive and determination has allowed her to have successful comeback.