Find A Way Participant Successes

BRHA's New Program

The Family Self-Sufficiency Program, Find-A-Way, has seen many successes since it started three years ago.  The program has made it possible to provide help in various areas for many residents who have set goals for themselves and are ready make a difference in their lives.  They are paving the way for a bright future for themselves and their families.

The annual Christmas Bash was exciting.  Eleven participants and their families attended a night of fun and encouragement.  Two clients shared their experience with the FAW program and what it had meant to them and their families.  Accomplishments were recognized and awards were presented for various categories.  In the past year, five participants received their GED.  Six others completed training programs.  The FAW program averaged thirty-four participants each month with twenty-one of them either working or in school.  FAW currently has sixteen clients who have established escrow accounts (seven of them started in 2010).  A total of seventy-nine participants have been served since the inception of the FAW program.

In part, due to the economy, one of the biggest challenges in the FAW program for clients is the availability of jobs.   Clients continue to actively search and apply for jobs as they are available.  Four participants are preparing to begin job training programs.

The computers in the FAW office are being used on a regular basis by clients.  They are able to access job search sites, complete job applications and prepare better resumes.  Starting in January, the FAW office has also partnered with the EITC Coalition to provide free tax preparation for our FAW participants.

We have provided training in various areas and have more planned in the future.  We have financial workshops, weight loss programs, parenting classes, and leadership training available to our participants.  We also have a variety of resource materials available to our participants to help them prepare for whatever comes their way.

If you are interested in more information about the Family Self-Sufficiency Program, you may call Lynn Pannell at 276 821-6270 or visit the Find A Way Office at: 600 Mary Street, Bristol,