Tough Road Leads to Fresh Start Thanks to NHCO

A trio of programs at North Hills Community Outreach is helping a 44-year-old woman get on track to a better life. Melissa first came to NHCO this past summer to get help with paying utility bills. The childcare center where she worked closed because of the pandemic. She was also in the process of leaving a very unhealthy and unhappy marriage that was straining her mentally and financially.

Danielle Stelzer, NHCO's Millvale Service Coordinator, helped Melissa with past-due water and gas bills, and helped her apply for a Dollar Energy Fund grant to assist with electric bills. Danielle also referred her to NHCO's Ask the Attorney and Transportation Assistance programs.

"I was so happy to be able to help Melissa during this tough time. She was going through so much, but it was inspiring to see how dedicated she was, and still is, to change things for the better," Danielle said.

Melissa met with a volunteer attorney in our Ask the Attorney program, which offers free legal consultations concerning any noncriminal matter. During that meeting, Melissa learned some encouraging news about her housing situation as part of her divorce.

She recently started a job at Kuhn's, but she did not have a way to get there. Luckily, she connected with our Transportation Program.

"The only thing standing between Melissa and a new job...a better life, really...was a bus pass. It was really rewarding to see the positive impact that bus pass had on her situation," said NHCO's Transportation Resource Coordinator Dan Wonders. He helps clients with transportation challenges during times of financial difficulty

"I'm very grateful for that," she said. "Dan did wonders with that. I'm so happy for that and blessed cause I need to get to work. I look forward to going to work."

She's employed, paying bills, and her divorce will soon finalize. NHCO is still providing some support, but Melissa is well on her way to self-sufficiency and happiness.

"I am more than ever determined to fight to get to my goal of being free and happy and live life again," she said.

Everyone should have a place to turn for help when times are tough. That is why North Hills Community Outreach is here. Please consider supporting us in being "people helping people."

"I'm just very blessed and grateful and thankful to everybody who has just been wonderful and supportive and helpful. It really means a lot to me."

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Thank you!