Stories

IOCP has a direct, profound impact on the people it serves. Here are stories that illustrate how we’re making a difference for families in our community.

Getting her life back

At 50, Ellen thought life was going well. She had a great job as a dental hygenist, her daughter was set to go to college, and she had made it through a divorce.

Then, the unexpected happened. Ellen developed a condition in her hands and wrists that prevented her from working. She had surgery, but during the long recovery, she ran out of money and insurance and was about to lose her home.

In a panic, she came to IOCP, seeing help with basic needs and with finding a job. She had only six weeks before she would become homeless.

In working with Ellen, IOCP helped her explore options where housing and employment went together. Being a sorority housemother would provide room and board, a job, and the opportunity to be with young women her daughter’s age. Ellen was open to moving.

Turned out that Ellen had all the right skills. She worked with young people, had planned events, and had strong references. While she interviewed, Ellen lost her home and stayed with friends.

Then, an offer came at a university in North Carolina. Thanks to a donated car from IOCP, she was able to accept the position and move.

Ellen was an incredible success, and her contract was extended. Another college on the West Coast recruited her, for double the salary, and she is now closer to her daughter and can watch her play tennis.

Thanks to IOCP, she has a home, a job, a career, and her life back.

Facing your fears

If there’s one bit of advice Cindy would share with others, it’s this: Don’t be afraid to face your fears.

There have been many times throughout her life when she could have given in to fear. When she developed health problems that led to several surgeries. When her home in Minneapolis was slated to be torn down, forcing her family to move. When she thought she’d never be able to get a job again.

Each time, Cindy drew on the strength she’d learned from her grandmother, who was left to run a farm when she was widowed at 40. “She taught me that there’s a silver lining in every cloud,” said Cindy, “and sometimes you have to look harder to see it.”

Cindy has also found in IOCP and the community a source of strength that keeps her going.

As a resident at Lakeview Commons, Cindy participates in the many on-site services and resources IOCP’s CONECT program offers. During the school year, Cindy’s kids take advantage of Homework Club.

When summer rolls around, Cindy is one of the first to sign her kids and grandkids up for Camp CONECT, an 8-week afternoon activity and enrichment camp. “It gives them something structured to do. They’re always learning something and getting involved with different projects, like planting a garden.”

With her own health improving, Cindy is doing everything she can, and then some, to find work. Mondays she’s at Central Middle School’s computer lab as part of an online job search IOCP’s employment specialist offers. Tuesday evenings this past spring she was part of an informal group IOCP organized for women in job transition. “We all connected so well, some of us are continuing to meet on Fridays,” she said.

IOCP also connected Cindy to a workshop at Normandale Community College on changing and finding a career. “In my first interview I connected with someone who is interested in hiring me!

“I did this by myself,” said Cindy, smiling, “all because IOCP believed in me.” Since then, Cindy has overcome her fear of public speaking and shared her story with others.

“I have never seen an organization help people to become self-sufficient the way IOCP does.”

Making retirement possible

After working hard all of his life, James was looking forward to retirement. It would mean more time to pursue his hobbies and more time with his grandchildren. Those plans were sidetracked when he fell victim to a financial scam. Suddenly, retirement was no longer an option.

When James came to IOCP, all of his savings were gone, he had accumulated significant debt, and he couldn’t pay his rent. After providing assistance to stabilize his housing, IOCP helped him find a job as a phone consultant selling windows. He earns $15/hour.

IOCP also referred him to Lutheran Social Services for debt counseling. LSS helped him consolidate his debt. Now James is working hard toward paying off his debt so he can enjoy financial stability and retirement.

Once helped, now helping others

The Austins are a picture-perfect couple. So what brought them to IOCP? Two years ago, they moved from Brooklyn Park, where the setting was less than ideal. High drama, high stress, chaotic. Certainly not a place to raise a family.

“We have friends in Plymouth and heard it’s a wonderful place, with a lot of opportunities,” said father Broderick. Just when they were making the transition, he lost his job. His wife Jataun, employed in customer service, was already pregnant with their second son. Suddenly, they had to find a place to live that was affordable on one income.

Their friends mentioned that IOCP had 50 new units available in northern Plymouth at Vicksburg Commons. The Austins qualified and were one of the first families to move in. “We love it here,” said Broderick. “It’s very quiet and peaceful, and there are a lot of community building activities we can participate in.”

Things were looking up. Jeremiah was born, and for a while, Broderick was a stay-at-home dad. Then he found a new job that tapped his strengths and interests, working with troubled youth at a Minneapolis school. This meant the Austins would need child care for the boys.

Their case manager determined they were eligible for a Caring for Kids Initiative scholarship, which allowed the Austins to choose among CfKI’s 10 quality providers. “We chose the New Horizon Academy,” said Jataun. “I thought the transition would be hard for Benjamin, who had never been in child care. The first day, I was ready to cry, but he ran off and started to play,” she recalled, laughing. “I guess he was ready.”

The Austins appreciate the teachers at New Horizon. “They’re friendly, and if we have any concerns about the boys, the staff is very helpful,” said Jataun. She also attends a monthly parenting class at Vicksbsurg Commons, run by Mary Eckberg of the Wayzata Public Schools.

“The scholarships have helped us tremendously,” Jataun added. “It makes child care affordable for us so we can still pay for the basic necessities. IOCP was very supportive and stayed with us while we were getting back on track.”

Broderick is now pursuing a degree in social work, and supports CfKI so other families can benefit from child care scholarships.

A story of hope

Kris is smart, courageous, and determined. All of these qualities have seen her through setbacks and tragedies that have dogged her for nearly 30 years. In the end, she said, “it was a flyer from IOCP that saved me.”

The flyer, about rent assistance, brought Kris to IOCP. Laid off as a nurse last April, she had used up her savings. The job market was grim. Family lived out of state, too far to provide immediate support. She needed blood work. And a few days earlier, her dog chewed up her glasses.

“I was scared to death,” she admitted. “I didn’t know what I was going to do.”

Step by step, IOCP helped her move toward stability and independence. “They covered some medical expenses, helped me with rent, and supported me in finding a job.”

Still, she struggled. “I got to the point where I used the food shelf. I needed to survive, but I felt guilty when I saw families with a lot of kids who needed it more than me.”

At this low point, the stress and anxiety that resulted from her being unemployed and out of money kicked in. Diagnosed with post-traumatic stress syndrome 25 years ago after her youngest son was hit by a drunk driver, became paralyzed, then died, Kris was haunted by the many losses in her life.

“I can’t change that painful memory,” she added quietly. But connected with a therapist through IOCP, she was able to conquer its devastating effects.

This past November, Kris began a new job as a nurse with Park Nicollet and no longer comes to IOCP for help. “My first day of work, I felt like I was back in the human race,” she said, her voice full of hope. “It was the best feeling.”

The difference a child care scholarship can make

After completing active duty in the U.S. Air Force, Jamie Shelite, a single mom with two children, knew exactly what she wanted to do. “My plan was to finish college and get a job,” she said.

But day care was the obstacle. Before being deployed, Jamie received county assistance for child care. While serving in Qatar, her renewal paperwork was mailed to her home. She missed the deadline and lost her benefits, even after bringing her case before a judge.

When her day care learned her county subsidy was gone, they told her she could no longer bring her kids there.
“So much was at stake,” said Jamie. “If I couldn’t find affordable child care, I would have had to drop out of school.”

That’s when Jamie came to IOCP. It was here that she learned about CfKI scholarships. Soon both her son and daughter were enrolled at Kids Care Connection.

“Because of the school readiness program at KCC, my kids have learned more and are better prepared for kindergarten,” Jamie said. She takes advantage of the parent education offerings at KCC. “I feel comfortable asking questions,” she added. “I realize that other parents share the same concerns, and we know that our questions are being answered by a professional.”

Being able to afford quality day care has given Jamie the time she needed to achieve her own goals. In May 2008 she completed a major in biology, a minor in anthropology, and received a certificate in forensic science. She also works at the Minnesota Regional Medical Examiner’s Office doing coroner investigations, teaches dance, and is in the security force for the Air Force Reserve.

“I couldn’t have pursued my dreams without the child care scholarship,” she said. “I am truly grateful for the support of this community.”

A safe place to call home

Grace counts herself among the fortunate. A single mom with five children, Grace works part-time at a $9-an-hour job—not nearly enough to support her family.

She and her family had been living in a rent-to-own house before coming to IOCP. When her rent became unaffordable and the neighborhood unsafe, Grace came to IOCP for help. “All I wanted was a safe home for my children,” she said. Part-time wages and full-time worry about keeping her children safe and housed and fed had taken their toll on her otherwise optimistic spirit.

Grace qualified for IOCP’s Project Success, a rent-subsidy and extended support service program for people pursuing employment upgrade through education and skills training. “When I found out I was also eligible to move in to one of the new units IOCP built, it was as if God had stepped in to bless me.”

A safe place to call home has changed this family’s life. “IOCP has touched every area of my life,” Grace said. “Knowing we have a home we can afford has taken a lot of stress off of me, and my children are all excited.”

An amazing gift

There Shelli was, determined not to go back but afraid of moving forward. Expecting her fourth child, she knew it was time. Time to leave an unhealthy relationship.

Looking ahead, Shelli faced another dilemma. “I love my work,” she said. “I didn’t want to lose my job, but I didn’t know how I was going to pay for care.” With only two weeks left of her maternity leave, she still didn’t have day care lined up for her infant and two-year-old. Financially, Shelli fell between the cracks—earning too much to qualify for child care assistance from the county but not enough to cover the cost of care for her children.

Then a call came from the director of Kids’ Care Connection, one of the Caring for Kids child care partners. The director had heard of Shelli’s situation. “She told me there was scholarship money available. It was as if God had reached down to me. This was truly the work of the Lord.”

Still, Shelli was apprehensive about dropping her children off at a new day care. Not for long. “The very first day I knew everything was going to be fine,” she said. “It’s an amazing gift to have two kids in a fabulous day care. No way would I have been able to teach my girls all that they’re learning here.”

Coming from a difficult situation, she added, “I need to feel my children are safe and secure so I can focus on my work.”

Shelli is eager to show her gratitude. “Even after my girls stop coming here, I want to make my co-payment each month. I’d like to help another family that needs it just as I did two years ago. Just think,” she added, “if every child care center offered one more scholarship to a family, how much it would mean.”

A caring community

It’s been more than a year now since Mike learned he had a rare form of cancer. A year of chemotherapy, surgery, and countless medical appointments. A year of not working while his body recovers. A year of mounting hospital bills and a family to support.

What Mike needed was the support of others. At Regency Pointe, the apartment neighborhood where he and his family have lived for four years, he found just that. The CONECT coordinator there worked closely with Mike’s wife and neighbors to organize a fundraiser.

“At first I thought it was going to be a small yard sale,” said Mike. “But it was held at the Bay Center! I was totally amazed at the outpouring of donations from the community.”

In the days leading up to the sale, Mike helped as he was able. “There were times when I broke down because people I didn’t even know were doing this for me.”

More amazing is that Mike’s follow-up tests have been clear. Mike knows there’s a connection between healing and being part of a nurturing community. Now, his family rarely misses the weekly community dinners, and his oldest son enjoys the range of activities at Camp CONECT. “My friends and neighbors really opened up their hearts to me and are such a blessing,” he said.

People who believe in me

Jeannie came to Interfaith with a lot of responsibility, limited work experience, few marketable skills, two little kids, and not much hope that things could get better.

Then IOCP opened up some options for her. She enrolled at the Minnesota School of Business in Plymouth and began to attend classes two nights a week. Motivation was never an issue for Jeannie, but transportation became one. Also, child care.

“I had to depend on other people to get me to school and back and to watch the kids,” Jeannie explained. “It worked for a while, but arranging rides and child care became too much of a hassle. I got discouraged and dropped out.”

Jeannie had been on IOCP’s car waiting list for a year before her case manager was able to call with the good news—there was a car for her! “Now I had a way to get back to school and to get the rest of my life moving again,” she said.

Jeannie was able to enroll in daytime classes, take her children to day care, and work a part-time job at TJ Maxx. Her confidence grew. She signed one of her daughters up for Girl Scouts and take her and her friends who needed a ride to soccer practices.

It took Jeannie three years to finish, but last fall she received an AA degree in business administration and landed a full-time job as an administrative assistant. “It’s not just the car that changed my life,” said Jeannie. “It’s knowing there are people out there who believe in me and who are willing to help me make life better for my family.”

People with caring hearts

A native of Kenya, Florence arrived in the United States in the spring of 2003. Her husband secured a green card and a job, and she and the children were finally able to reunite with him. So much of this long and patient journey, Florence describes as one miracle after another.

The exciting but somewhat bewildering task of assimilating into a new culture began. Initially, Florence said, “I didn’t even know what I needed.” IOCP help began with the basics—food, clothing, child care, and community connections.

Employment was especially challenging—particularly finding work that fit her husband’s work schedule. Child care and transportation were issues. The family didn’t have a car, and Dial-A-Ride didn’t fit with work hours available to her.

In Kenya Florence had worked as a receptionist, but hoped some day to pursue work in the medical field. The opportunity hadn’t presented itself until her IOCP case manager said why not now? There were obstacles, of course—child care, transportation, tuition, books.

IOCP helped Florence with a plan and a way to pursue it. She enrolled in the Minnesota School of Business. Florence had never driven a car. A car would make it possible for her to work part-time, go to school, and get the children where they needed to be. The donated car, driver’s training, and help with child care costs provided by IOCP—three other miracles, according to Florence—got her plan in motion.

In June 2007, Florence graduated with a Medical Assistant degree, equipped and ready to pursue a new career with an income upgrade. She credits her success to her family who supported her along the way, to “God who just took me somewhere I never thought I could go,” to “wonderful IOCP case managers,” and to many “people with caring hearts” along the way. Florence is eager to share her blessings with others.