Lynda Baker’s Story About Community Action Agencies

My story begins a couple years ago. I am a single mom of three boys. My oldest, Ryan, is 20, followed by Daniel who is 16 and my youngest, Hunter, who is 6. I managed to work a full time job, pay my bills and keep food in our home. But by making some bad choices and getting involved in relationships that led me astray, I became jobless, homeless and penniless.

Going to a family shelter with my youngest son was a very humbling experience. But with the support of the services provided to me, getting a place to live was the start of my journey back to becoming self-supportive. I was trying so hard to find a job, but it seemed like no place was going to give me a chance because I had a felony charge. I was told about IMPACT Community Action by my caseworker, who told me to apply. I had been in customer service for 16 years and was trying to get back into that field. I applied twice, got a job and have been employed at IMPACT for two years now.

Without this Community Action Agency taking the chance to hire me I would still be homeless and unable to get my family back on track. I am now a homeowner who pays her bills and is able to contribute to the economy of Ohio. There are many people that benefit so much from the Agency, and without it, their families would be in more need than ever.

I am trying to show my children that working to get what you need in life is the best way to go. I give credit for all this to IMPACT for hiring me and taking that chance. Please do not cut these programs-we need our Community Action Agencies!