The real heroes of our day are women like ESC client Sara Heistand. She has battled life situations and has worked for many years with the aid of our programs to overcome poverty and gain self-sufficiency. Her hard work and dedication will be acknowledged when she is presented with the Sergeant Shriver Achievement Award this August at the Community Action Partnership Annual Conference in Chicago.
The Sergeant Shriver Achievement Award was established by the Community Action Partnership in 1995 to recognize and honor achievements by individuals who, with the assistance of a Community Action Agency, have changed their lives and achieved independence. Sara Heistand is well deserving of the award. Her life story is an inspiration to all who despair, as well as to those who admire individuals who succeed against all odds.
When Sara first entered the Missourians Building Assets program in October 2002, she was a single parent who had been abandoned by her mate. She was left without reliable transportation or the resources to obtain a home for herself and her baby, Emma. To begin her journey, Sara applied and was accepted into the U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Section 8 Choice Voucher Program. Utilizing the program she was able to obtain an apartment and gained the confidence she needed to pursue other goals.
Sara began working with ESC Case Manager, Suzanne Becker, on a weekly basis. Together, they were able to establish financial, homeownership and education goals. Sara was determined to make a life for her daughter and herself, as well as to obtain a job with an income that would support her family.
During a particularily difficult period, Sara's car broke down. She was unable to come up with the money necessary to repair the vehicle. For the next year, it became necessary for her to negotiate rides to her daycare, college and to run errands. Sara eventually saved enough money to purchase a car to get her through the remainder of her college courses.
Despite many setbacks, Sara attained numberous goals. She graduated from college as a Registered Nurse and is now employed by Freeman Hospital in Joplin, MO. She completed ESC's Missourians Building Assets Program and used the money saved through that program to purchase a home. She was also able to purchase a newer and more dependable car to fulfill her transportation needs.
Sara refused to let adversity keep her from accomplishing her goals in life. She serves as an inspiration to our staff, clients and all who know her. We are proud of her and the dedication she gave to gaining self-sufficiency for her and her family. She is a courageous woman and is highly deserving of the recognition she will receive when accepting the Sergeant Shriver Achievement Award.
Tools for School Fair!
The second annual Tools for School Back to School Fair was held on Friday, July 25th at Memorial Hall in Joplin.
The purpose of the fair was to provide free school supplies to low income children attending kindergarten through 5th grade in local school districts. Families attending were required to document their income eligibility and pre-register with the Community Development department at one of ESC's outreach offices.
Many local businesses and programs participated in the event with information booths, demonstrations and giveaways. Health screenings were offered including dental, vision, hearing and speech tests. The health department was present to set appointments for children needing immunizations before the start of school. Hair cuts and head lice checks were also available. Students and their families were required to attend a minimum number of informational or health booths to receive their free school supplies.
The event was a huge success this year with approximately 145 children attending. We wish them all a successful school year!
Changes to 403(b) accounts...
The Internal Revenue Service has begun to crack down on 403(b) accounts, especially in regards to hardship withdrawls. Because of this, American Funds has informed ESC that they will no longer allow hardship distributions after September 30, 2008. The only way employees will be able to access their retirement accounts will be if they are 59.5 years old or older, if they become disabled, if they get divorced, or if they leave employment of ESC. If an employee were to die while employed at ESC, their beneficiaries would be able to withdraw the retirement account.
In any of these cases, you or your beneficiaries would be liable for income taxes on the account.
If you have questions reguarding your 403(b) account, please contact Terry Grooms at 781-0352 ext. 204, or Ryan Stanley at 781-8762.
Life Skills Classes Available...
ESC's Life Skills Training continues to be successful and the Community Development division is excited to offer several more opportunities to join the class this month.
These classes help clients with skills such as budgeting, conserving energy and finding employment. Anyone can attend the trainings, but those wishing to attend must enroll in advance by contacting one of the following staff members: Joanna Watson, 417-781-0352 Sally McAffrey, 417-781-0352 Marcia Denny, 417-845-6011 Sharon Havens, 417-451-2206.
August 5th-
JOPLIN: Budgeting from 8:30-12:30
August 7th-
ANDERSON: Budgeting from 1:00-5:00
August 12th-
JOPLIN: Food and Energy from 1:00-5:00
August 13th-
NEOSHO: Job Searching from 8:30-12:30
August 14th-
ANDERSON: Food and Energy from 8:30-12:30
August 27th-
NEOSHO: Food and Energy from 8:30-12:30
August 28th-
ANDERSON: Budgeting from 8:30-12:30
August 29th-
JOPLIN: Budgeting from 8:30-12:30
Is there anything interesting going on in your department that you would like to share with our staff, board members and supporters? To have your information included in an upcoming issue of News from ESC, please contact Andrea Osiek at aosiek@escswa.org.
Economic Security Corporation of Southwest Area (ESC) is a private non-profit Community Action Agency, which was created in October 1965 to serve the needs of low-income individuals and families. The mission of the agency is "to help families currently caught in poverty to find a way out, and to work in our communities to prevent the conditions of poverty from affecting future generations."
Home
The real heroes of our day are women like ESC client Sara Heistand. She has battled life situations and has worked for many years with the aid of our programs to overcome poverty and gain self-sufficiency. Her hard work and dedication will be acknowledged when she is presented with the Sergeant Shriver Achievement Award this August at the Community Action Partnership Annual Conference in Chicago.
