New program assists struggling families

Feb. 19--Becoming self-sufficient can be a challenge for some families and individuals. But a new program offers strategies to independence by offering participants practical and proven solutions.

The Family Development Program is offered by Western Indiana Community Action Agency, and program director Donna Fullhart said people may not be aware of the possibilities available to help with a need, and they may not know who to ask for help.

"When you're struggling, and times are hard, you're less likely to speak up," Fullhart said of the experiences of many people.

"The attitude of some people in poverty is they are failing somehow," she said. "But that's normally not the case. They feel a loss of control, feelings of failure. And there's a lot of talk and attitude that implies you failed. But we look at the strengths you have and build on that."

For some people, their strengths may be that they have a job, it just not be a paying a living wage. Others may have a strong family unit, but lack affordable child care so they can go to a job.

Through office visits, assessments and goal setting, participants are able to earn GEDs, get job training, and are better able to provide for their families and contribute to their local economy.

The areas of focus for Family Development are income, education, employment, housing, food, child care, health care, transportation, utilities, support systems, family interaction and addictions.

Fullhart said her job is to connect people to the services that will benefit them.

For example, a young person who is on his own for the first time may not have the skills to search for and select safe housing or a safe living environment.

"Young people tend to be more rash in making choices because they may not have a lot of resources and can't predict long-term consequences," she said.

For some people, they may not have a skill needed to advance in their job. That is where educational and job training contacts can be made to improve employment opportunities.

But, filling out financial aid applications can be daunting, and getting documentation can sometimes be a challenge.

"My job is to help people keep moving forward," Fullhart said.

Eligibility for the program is based on income. A household that receives energy assistance is likely eligible for other WICAA programs such as Family Development.

WICCA serves the three-county area of Clay, Putnam and Vigo, providing quality of life programs to help the economically disadvantaged, elderly and the physically and mentally challenged. Other services include weatherization program for housing, indigent medical care program, Head Start, foster grandparents program, retired and senior volunteers program and the women, infants and children program.

Family Development complements many of the WICAA services.

"It is an opportunity for us to help individuals and families in our community gain self-sufficiency by identifying their strengths and using those strengths to achieve goals in areas where they are struggling," said Carole Barr, executive director of WICAA. "Comprehensive services are provided such as, goal setting, personalized coaching, budgeting, parenting skills development, education and employment counseling, and referrals to other community resources."

Fullhart said a computer lab -- funded through a grant from the Wabash Valley Community Foundation -- is available to do online training, search for documentation and do job searches.

She also encourages organizations who have assistance programs to contact her office so she can refer people to the services.

"I'm not a social worker," Fullhart said. "I don't judge people on their home or family. I'm just there to understand things happen, and find out what their goals are, and help people connect with ways to meet the goals."

Anyone wanting more information on Family Development can call Fullhart at 812-242-6217 or go to the WICAA office at 705 S. Fifth St. in Terre Haute.

Lisa Trigg can be reached at 812-231-4254 or at lisa.trigg@tribstar.com. Follow her on Twitter at TribStarLisa.

___

(c)2018 The Tribune-Star (Terre Haute, Ind.)

Visit The Tribune-Star (Terre Haute, Ind.) at tribstar.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.