Real Story:  From "Collapse" to "Dream Job" for Cliff R.

"In October 2007, our world collapsed. I was laid off from my job, then my wife had surgery that went wrong. I found myself with a sick wife, four children and only $280 coming in each week from unemployment. Every dollar we had was depleted within the first month between mortgage, utilities, car and food. To say the least, we were broke. And ready to lose everything we had worked for.

I was mentally drained and had little time to figure out how to get help. Then we spoke with a Community Action Partnership p representative, and she informed us about the energy assistance program. This was our first blessing; and everyone treated me with nothing but respect as they helped keep our electricity and gas from being turned off.

The next blessing came from the Missouri Career Center, and they helped me get one month's worth of our mortgage paid. They saved our home.

Next, a worker from the Career Center helped me get my dream job in business computer programming. I earned my degree in that area, but like a lot people, had trouble finding a position in the field and ended up earned a living in labor and production until that point. I got the job I always wished my degree would get me. Thank you!" - Cliff Richey, St. Joseph, Mo.

Note:  Cliff and Candy R. of St. Joseph, Mo., were honored as one of three featured "Success Stories" at the 2008 Missouri Association for Community Action (MACA) statewide conference at Lake Ozark, Mo., in October 2008.

Learn more about applying for job training and career services at Community Action Partnership