Success Stories
Meeting Needs in Times of Crisis
A gentleman was referred to the Elk Valley Improvement Council in Clendenin in September 2005. He was unable to work as the result of a fall sustained while working on a roof. His employer had not paid into Worker’s Compensation, so his claim was denied. His request for disability insurance was pending. He was ineligible for funding from the Department of Health and Human Resources.
Using funds from United Way and a Community Services Block Grant, the Elk Valley Improvement Council was able to meet the man’s immediate needs of paying all his utility bills and providing him with food and clothing.
Settling a Score
A student hoping to take classes at Marshall University became a client at Literacy Volunteers of Putnam County. The student needed assistance with the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The student’s first attempt at the test yielded a score of 490, missing the score of 500 required by Marshall.
The student worked diligently for two months with a literacy tutor. They studied grammar and met twice a week for several hours to review sample TOEFL exams.
The student took the TOEFL exam a second time, scoring 547. The proud student is currently enrolled in two graduate-level nutrition courses at the university.
Making Children a Priority
Tony* was a shy, quiet first grader. New to the area, he was overwhelmed by his new surroundings. He quickly fell into the roll of a loner. Concerned by his situation, staff at the Tyler Mountain YMCA took him under wing and made it their priority to help him fit in.
Within a few weeks, subtle changes could be seen. Although he was still very shy, he started gaining confidence and began to participate in activities with the other children. Before long, he was very popular and made several close friends.
Nearly half way through the summer, he stopped coming to camp.
Counselors contacted his foster mother and found that she had lost the financial assistance she received through a state program and was unable to pay the cost of camp on her own. After a brief review of her situation, the camp was able to provide her with a scholarship to enable Tony to rejoin his new friends at camp.
In 2005, the YMCA provided financial support to more than 150 children like Tony in the Cross lanes area.
*Clients name has been changed
