By Becky Berry, Community Services Case Worker

MCCA’s nomination for the 2010 Families of Distinction is Samanthe Boyd.

Each year, the Illinois Association of Community Action Agencies (IACAA) honors families who have benefitted in some way from Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) programs. Samanthe Boyd was nominated by Community Services Case Worker, Becky Berry, for the achievement of completing Mid Central Community Action’s Individual Development Account pilot program. Ms. Boyd is a 26 year old single mother of three sons, ages 9, 8 and 5. She works full time for a cleaning company with an annual income of $24,000 (125% poverty level for a family of 4).

In October 2007, Samanthe inquired about Mid Central Community Action’s (MCCA) Individual Development Account pilot program (IDA) which was created for the purpose to help participants gain financial literacy and save money for the purchase of a home. After enrolling in the IDA program Samanthe opened a savings account and deposited an initial $40 in the State Farm Bank sponsored program. Ther after, Ms. Boyd deposited at least $10 per week during the next two years. During this time, Ms. Boyd also became familiar with banks and savings accounts; learned budgeting skills; built assets; repaired credit; took the Homebuyer’s Education class; and received monthly case management that included referrals, guidance, and support. On November 30, 2009, two years after beginning the IDA program, Samanthe was able to buy her first home. MCCA matched Samanthe’s savings of $1000 with a 2 to 1 match (for a total MCCA contribution of $2,000). In addition, she was eligible for an Affordable Housing Coalition grant of $5,000 because she had successfully completed the Homebuyer’s Education class through MCCA’s housing department.

Samanthe’s life journey puts this amazing accomplishment into perspective and demonstrates Ms. Boyd’s dream of “owning my own home for us” and her determination to create the best life possible for herself and her sons.

In 2000, at the age of 16 (a mere 10 years ago), Samanthe’s mother emancipated her so that she could get her own apartment. Her first apartment was through the Bloomington Housing Authority. During this time, she earned her GED, got a job to buy her first car, and had her first son. After a couple of years, she received Section 8 housing and rented a “really nice place.” Ms. Boyd states that she was able to “manage my credit and paid my bills on time which really helped.”

In 2007, at age 23, Samanthe was now a mother of three young sons (7, 6 and 2). She was managing well, but wanted “to have a place I could call mine.” After learning about MCCA’s IDA program, she decided it was the time to begin saving for her dream of home ownership. On a salary of $280 per week and working 25 hours per week, Samanthe made the commitment to save $10 weekly. Samanthe was diligent and timely in her deposits. By September 2009, Samanthe had accumulated a total of $1416 and was ready to buy her home! Samanthe and her sons are now enjoying their three bedroom home with a finished basement in Bloomington.

As Samanthe’s caseworker during her involvement in the IDA program, I am very proud of her accomplishments. She is a very quiet, self-determined woman. It has been a pleasure to meet with Ms. Boyd and help provide her with the information, guidance, and support she needed. Samanthe was always willing and eager to learn and follow through with suggestions and information. Not only did Samanthe have high expectations for herself, she accomplished her goals under extremely difficult circumstances – a young, single mother and low income. But, she exemplifies what can happen with the correct mindset, initiative, self-discipline, and willingness to learn. Ms. Boyd ends her story with these words: “I’m really thankful of this (IDA) program and everyone who as helped me at Mid Central Community Action.”

Mid Central Community Action and I are honored to have had the opportunity to play a small part in Samanthe Boyd realizing her dream!