C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation

2004 FAMILY OF DISTINCTION
The Jennifer Harwell Family

C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation and the Illinois Community Action Association honored the Jennifer Harwell family of Vandalia as the 2004 Family of Distinction for overcoming obstacles and achieving self-sufficiency.

As a part of National Community Action Month in May 2004 C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation formally recognized this family of distinction for their successful participation in sponsored agency programs on their way to achieving self-sufficiency. At the C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation's May 2004 Board of Directors meeting and at the Illinois Community Action Association's May 2004 annual meeting the Jennifer Harwell family was recognized as the 2004 Family of Distinction. The Harwell family was presented with the 2004 Family of Distinction Award demonstrating that Community Action helps people and changes lives.

As a single parent, Jennifer was struggling to raise her two children while working part-time. In February of 2002 she came to the C.E.F.S. Fayette County Outreach Office seeking housing assistance. She had completed her GED and knew that the lack of advanced education was an obstacle and barrier to finding full-time employment that paid a decent wage. In April of 2002, C.E.F.S. Staff placed the family in a transitional apartment, providing housing, case-management and other services. Jennifer decided that she wanted to change her life by going to college so that she could get a full-time job to support her family. She completed her educational goal in July of 2004, obtaining her Legal Office Personnel Certificate from Kaskaskia College. She has purchased her own home and is on her way to self-sufficiency. Services such as LIHEAP Energy Assistance, budgeting, case-management, the food pantry, income tax perparation, CSBG Scholarship, Head Start and transitional housing all helped the Harwell Family in their quest.

Pictured from left to right are Joseph Harwell, Jennifer Harwell, Betty Harwell and Savanah Fee.

Our agency congratulates the Jennifer Harwell family for their efforts and success in achieving self-sufficiency!

Read about our 2003 honoree.

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