C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation

2006 FAMILY OF DISTINCTION
The Jerry and Ann Worman Family

C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation and the Illinois Community Action Association honored the Worman Family as the 2006 Family of Distinction for making a successful transition from rental assistance to home ownership and for beginning the journey towards the achievement of self- sufficiency.

As a part of National Community Action Month in May 2006, 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 2006 Board of Directors meeting and at the Illinois Community Action Association's May 2006 annual meeting the Worman Family was recognized as the 2006 Family of Distinction. The Worman Family was presented with the 2006 Family of Distinction Award demonstrating that Community Action helps people and changes lives.

The Worman family (Jerry and Ann Worman and 7 children; Joe, Steven, Tim, Lauren, Zach, Tommy, and Abby) entered our Community Action Agency (CAA) network through the local C.E.F.S. Effingham County Outreach Office when they were in need of shelter after losing their home through bankruptcy. They have been living in income based housing for two years and during this time they have been case managed through the Individual Development Account process.

When the Worman family lost their home, the C.E.F.S. Effingham County Outreach Office helped them move into an income-based apartment and assisted with the first month of rent through Community Services Block Grant program (CSBG) rental assistance. The Worman Family also received CSBG direct client assistance to help them pay their auto insurance and the agency also helped them receive some food vouchers. The C.E.F.S. Effingham County Coordinator then referred the Worman family to the Individual Development Account (IDA) Program. Ann Worman was involved with the Family Community Development (FCD) Program and she was able to move up thirteen (13) levels on the self sufficiency scale. Ann Worman has also taken classes on Financial Literacy and Homeownership through C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation.

The Worman family has overcome major financial debt and learned to live on a budget. Ann Worman is working two part-time jobs and attending Lake Land College part-time (12 of 65 hours completed). When the Worman family first came to the C.E.F.S. Individual Development Account Program they had recently been put in an income based apartment with dreams of owning their own home. Personal and family sacrifice and sheer dedication has led them to their dream of homeownership. Today, the Wormans are the proud owners of their own home.

Pictured from left to right: 1st Row: Tommy, Abby; 2nd Row: Zach, Ann; 3rd Row: Tim, Jerry.

Our agency congratulates the Worman Family for their efforts and success in achieving self-sufficiency!

Read about our 2005 honoree.

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