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Self Sufficiency Programs

Van Parked at School

Training for

Future Success

Our programs help low-income families achieve economic independence with the goal to help bring individuals experiencing a crisis to stability.

Services offered to 

Self Sufficiency Participants

Education/Vocational Planning
Support Groups
Financial Aid Information
Time Management
Goal Setting
Decision Making

Education/Vocational Planning
Support Groups
Financial Aid Information
Time Management
Goal Setting
Decision Making

Organization
Communication Skills
Self-esteem Improvement
Parenting Assistance
Budgeting
Information Referrals

Organization
Communication Skills
Self-esteem Improvement
Parenting Assistance
Budgeting
Information Referrals

Project Independence

Achieving Economic Independence

What is the Project Independence Program?

Project Independence is a mentoring program which helps low-income families in Kosciusko County achieve economic independence.

The long-term goal of the program is to help clients develop the skills necessary to secure productive employment, and eliminate all need for financial assistance from private or governmental resources.

Eligibility for the Project Independence Program:

  • 18 years of age or older
  • Single or two parent family either pregnant or with children currently in custody
  • Resident of Kosciusko County
  • Applying to the program of their own free will
  • Free from any permanent mental or physical disability which prohibits maintaining employment
  • Willing to participate fully in an educational or job training program
  • Committed to working with Project Independence in order to complete a step-by-step, individualized program designed to achieve economic independence
  • Income eligible
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Hand Up

A Hand-up, not a hand-out

What is the Hand-Up Program?

The Hand-Up Program provides guidance to those looking to make significant life changes, such as securing employment or continuing education. The goal of the program is to bring individuals experiencing a crisis to stability.

The Hand-Up Program was created to help give people a hand-up, not just a hand out.

Eligibility for the Hand-Up Program:

  • Over the age of 18
  • Families must meet income guidelines or a sudden crisis such as losing employment

For more information on the Hand-Up program, please contact Ami Pitt at (574) 797-0208 or email apitt@ccsgives.com.

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The Impact of Self-Sufficiency Programs

Jodi

Jodi, a participant on the Hand-Up Program, found herself in a rut. She hadn’t worked in almost 10 years due to taking care of her ill father. Jodi was ready to join the workforce but lacked skills and confidence to obtain employment. A Hand-Up Case Manager came alongside Jodi and helped with a resume, a mock employment interview, and Jodi obtained employment as a Pharmacy Technician and completed her certification. 

Jodi had zero income when she started the program and is now at 258% FPL income level. She continues to give back to the program by donating household supplies monthly. 

Homeless and Shunned

A participant in the Hand-Up Program found herself homeless and shunned by her family at a young age. She did not have a driver’s license and didn’t graduate from high school. She was praying for help but felt confusion because of her Amish upbringing. 

She has been in the Hand-Up Program for several months and has already achieved the goals of employment, a house to rent, and a driver’s license. She also just completed the HSE and received her diploma this month. 

She shares that her walk with the Lord is stronger and her faith is deepening. She is attending women of faith conferences and has thoughts of one day being in the mission field, possibly working in an orphanage. She in some way wants to help children. 

Erika

Erika was a 19-year-old high school senior last fall. Just before Christmas she found herself homeless after her Dad kicked her out of the house so she started couch surfing. 

Soon, she ran out of couches and she wasn’t sure what to do. Just after the CCS Christmas Toy Time event the Hand-Up Case Manager ran into Erika’s Teacher of Record. After sharing about her new job at CCS, the teacher asked, do you know about Erika?

Erika came onto the Hand-Up Program in January after spending 2 weeks at a local, not so nice hotel that a friend paid for. The Hand-Up case manager has walked alongside Erika and has helped her obtain many life skills to live independently.

Erika was welcomed into a bed and board situation near the high school, was entered into the 4H program, and given a chance to see a loving and caring family home. 

Erika GRADUATED WITH THE WCHS CLASS OF 2021! She showed Llamas and poultry at the fair this year, selling her poultry in the 4H auction. On July 21, Erika was given the key to her first apartment and has a job within walking distance from her apartment. Her new goals are to obtain her driver’s license and to learn how to budget.

Levi

Levi, a participant on the Hand-Up Program, found himself homeless due to abuse from a family member whom he was placed with due to the death of his mother. The family member became more abusive once he turned 19 and the SSI benefits stopped. 

A Hand-Up Case Manager walked along side Levi making calls to the local abuse shelter and Levi found safe housing at Beaman Home. 

Levi was put on the wait list for HUD housing. Over the next few months, he was able to get an apartment with the help of Beaman’s Home Rapid Rehousing program. 

Beaman Home and the Hand-Up Program work with Levi on basic life skills such as housekeeping, how to maintain finances, and basic living skills. The Hand-Up Program has partnered Levi with a family that is helping him fulfill driving hours to obtain a driver’s license. Levi has gained employment at a local business and is now at a living wage. 

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