I was in my 40’s when my husband of 25 years left me without any resources. While dealing with the emotional devastation of the divorce I also had to worry how I was going to support myself and the two girls I still had at home.

My local Community Action Agency, Wabash Area Development, Inc., listened to my problems and then informed me of what services were available to help me. I had never in my life received government assistance and making myself walk into their office was the hardest thing I had ever done. My fears weren’t realized, though, as I was treated with respect and was never made to feel like a drain on society. I was enrolled into a Workforce Development Program that helped me with tuition, books and mileage while I attended a community college.

It wasn’t easy. I went to college five days a week and spent the weekend working, so I never had a day off. When I graduated with my Associate’s degree in Nursing from Southeastern Illinois College, it was the proudest day of my life. I passed my boards and became a Registered Nurse, able to support myself and my family. I couldn’t have done it without the Federal Workforce Development Program and the supportive services the local Community Action provided.

I was financially able to help my youngest daughter get through college and she chose to go into social services to help others as I had been helped.

Data sources

• U.S. Census Bureau, “American FactFinder,” 2007 American Community Survey (accessed May 2011). Data came from the following tables: Statewide poverty percentages, GCT1701, Ratio of income to poverty level, C17002
• U.S. Census Bureau, “American FactFinder,” 2009 American Community Survey (accessed May 2011). Data came from the following tables: Statewide poverty percentages, GCT1701, Ratio of income to poverty level, C17002
• Half in Ten analysis of Table 1, 2007 State Expenditure Report, National Association of State Budget Officers.
• Half in Ten analysis of Table 1, 2009 State Expenditure Report, National Association of State Budget Officers.
• Center for American Progress analysis of CEPR Current Population Survey ORG data.