KCCHA's program helped
Brian develop the tools
he needed to make big
changes in his life.

Ten years ago, Brian had no high school diploma, no job training, no savings, and no credit history. A single dad with an occasional, minimum wage job, he lived in public housing with his disabled daughter.

"I knew there had to be something better, but I knew I couldn't get there by myself," Brian says.

KCCHA's Family Self-Sufficiency Program helped Brian find the way to that "something better" he was looking for. Thanks to that program, Brian now has vocational training, a degree, and a full-time job he's proud of. Best of all, he has his own home, which he shares with his daughter Brianna and his parents.

"The first step - and the most important part - of this program is the Personal Five Year Plan - not our plan, but the client's plan," says KCCHA Community Services Director Deb Howard, who acts as guidance counselor, advocate, and cheerleader for program participants.

Working with Howard, Brian set goals that included: going back to school; starting a career in a field he would enjoy; becoming free of public assistance; and buying his own home.

There were some significant barriers in the way, however. Early on, he was overwhelmed and discouraged because he didn't have the money to go to school, and because of the challenges he faced with his daughter's disability.

But every step of the way, Brian says, KCCHA was there for him.

"The people (at KCCHA) never gave up on me, no matter what happened or how much I screwed up," he says. "They didn't pull punches either, and always made it clear what I needed to do."

The journey isn't over for Brian. But the path is clearer, and many of the barriers are easier to get around.

"They never gave up on me," Brian says. "KCCHA saved me."

This is an Equal Opportunity Program.
Discrimination is prohibited by Federal Law.
Complaints of discrimination may be filed with the Administrator, RHCDS, USDA, Washington, DC 20250-0700