A family in LaGrange County had always dreamed of owning their own home. That dream began to come true when they bought a modest trailer on a wooded lot. It was not until later in the year when it was getting cold that Dave, the father of the family, looked into the furnace closet to see why there was no heat. The problem: The previous owner had removed the furnace just before the family had moved in. They were shocked and devastated.

Fortunately, this family knew about CANI. They called the LaGrange County office and asked one of CANI's Community Service Specialists (CSS) for help. The CSS signed them up for the Weatherization Program. Weatherization gave them a new LP has furnace, replaced their refrigerator, and substantially reduced the tremendous air loss at their home, making it more comfortable and saving them money on their heating bills. The family is most grateful for all that was done to help them.
 

A home of their own

In late 2002, Tom and Debbie and their children, Ryan and Taylor, moved from Florida to Whitley County. They thought they would be able to stay with relatives until they could find a place of their own. However, that plan fell through and they had to go to a homeless shelter. Tom, the father, worked full time and Debbie was pregnant with their third child.

They stayed in the shelter for three months. At least it was a roof over their heads, but it was crowded and they were having some problems with other residents. They needed to move.

CANI issued the family a voucher for the Housing Choice Voucher Program. The program, formerly known as Section 8 housing, pays part of the rent for approved housing for low-income families. In mid-March, Tom and Debbie located a house in Columbia City that passed inspection. The family is now in a home of their own and paying an affordable amount towards their rent.

Max came to CANI's Weatherization program because of his very high electric bills. He lives in a 720-square-foot trailer that is all-electric. Among the reasons for his high bills:

• The electric furnace and the air conditioning would both run at the same time, whether winter or summer.
• The pipes and duct system were exposed to the outside elements because the belly of the furnace and its insulation had fallen onto the ground outside.
• The 1970s-era refrigerator was burning up a lot of electricity as well.

CANI was able to provide Max with a new energy-efficient refrigerator. The Weatherization contractor installed a new digital thermostat and rewired the controls so that Max could turn on the heat or the air conditioner but didn't have to have both going at once. And the contractor also repaired and insulated the furnace, which cut down considerably on air loss. His trailer is much more comfortable and energy-efficient, and he's saving a lot of money on his utility bills.

When a Healthy Families Family Support Worker (FSW) began working with Shanda, she would discuss her relationships and her background in great detail. The only time she would interact with her daughter Rosa was when the child would cry or when the FSW would as Shanda to do something with Rosa.

Now, Shanda gets on the floor at the beginning of every visit and plays with Rosa. The FSW teaches and praises her as they play. Shanda now realizes the importance of play and positive role modeling for Rosa and is making the necessary changes in her daily routine to ensure that playtime is part of her schedule.

Shanda has moved out of a housing project into her own apartment, begun GED classes, and is participating in the Individual Development Account (IDA) program through CANI. The IDA program is offered by the State through a local bank. In an IDA, the State adds $3 to the family bank account for every $1 the family puts in, up to $900 in State funds.

Shanda was chosen for the IDA program because she wants to save money for her own home and for her daughter's education. She receives help with her child care costs through CANI and has a steady job that she has maintained for over a year.

Shanda has become increasingly independent throughout the past few months and is looking toward the future to continue her independence for herself and her daughter.

Brandon and Jessie and their three daughters live in DeKalb County. Brandon has a steady job, but Jessie is unable to work because of a disability. Their car was unreliable, causing problems for both Brandon's job and Jessie's need to go to doctor's appointments and care for the girls. Jessie has been working with CANI's Family Development program to identify the family's strengths and how to use them to improve the family's lives.

Through a CANI pilot program called Steering Toward Success, Brandon and Jessie received a 1986 Plymouth Voyager van. The van was donated to CANI. CANI paid for an inspection and necessary repairs. The agency also paid for the vehicle's registration and three months of vehicle insurance. Brandon and Jessie agreed to keep the van insured and make small monthly payments to CANI in return for the money the agency spent. They have since paid off expenses and are very happy to have reliable transportation.

After Maria gave birth to twin boys, she agreed to receive visits from a Healthy Families Family Support Worker (FSW). The Community Alliance for Healthy Families, in which CANI participates, helps new parents bond with their babies and teaches them about child development. Maria had recently moved back into the Fort Wayne area and was not familiar enough with the community to know how to find the services she needed.

With the help of her FSW, she applied for and began receiving food stamps, TANF payments, food for herself and her babies through the WIC nutrition program, and medical care through Hoosier Healthwise. She applied to CANI"s Energy Assistance and child care voucher programs and received help there, as well. The child care assistance allowed her to attend classes full-time at Ivy Tech.

Maria finished her training as a licensed practical nurse and began to work full time. Today she is no longer receiving TANF, food stamps, child care assistance, or WIC. She has always been very interested in child development information and has a deep bond with children. She plans to go back to school to become a registered nurse.