Voices of Success
Community Action Cares
by Katherine Kelsven, Case Manager
Name: Ms. Jean Purdy
Center: Camden County Community
“I just needed someone to care, and there you were."
Ms. Purdy came into Community Action as a referral. She is a single woman age 61 on disability. She was depressed, isolated and disconnected from family and friends. To combat her loneliness she began volunteering. Being on a fixed income she became behind in her rent and utilities that she was close to eviction and shut off. Ms. Purdy responded very well to case management. She was excited to give to others. She attended all the Financial Management classes we offered. She was instrumental in assisting some of the other elderly clients with information and referrals in the community. She was our energy assistance ambassador, keeping everyone in the lobby entertained and comfortable while they waited for their appointments. She was so fun, people now associate her with the energy program in Camden!
Today, she has a small part time job to supplement her disability income. She works as a home health aid locally and has just a few clients that she visits and does light duty care for. This is keeping her involved and engaged in the community and providing a bit of extra income for her budget. She continues to volunteer at the local food bank. She has a community of friends who expect her interactions and participation. She speaks very highly of Community Action and the services we provided to her and others. Most of all, she says, “I just needed someone to care, and there you were."
Center: Camden County Community
“I just needed someone to care, and there you were."
Ms. Purdy came into Community Action as a referral. She is a single woman age 61 on disability. She was depressed, isolated and disconnected from family and friends. To combat her loneliness she began volunteering. Being on a fixed income she became behind in her rent and utilities that she was close to eviction and shut off. Ms. Purdy responded very well to case management. She was excited to give to others. She attended all the Financial Management classes we offered. She was instrumental in assisting some of the other elderly clients with information and referrals in the community. She was our energy assistance ambassador, keeping everyone in the lobby entertained and comfortable while they waited for their appointments. She was so fun, people now associate her with the energy program in Camden!
Today, she has a small part time job to supplement her disability income. She works as a home health aid locally and has just a few clients that she visits and does light duty care for. This is keeping her involved and engaged in the community and providing a bit of extra income for her budget. She continues to volunteer at the local food bank. She has a community of friends who expect her interactions and participation. She speaks very highly of Community Action and the services we provided to her and others. Most of all, she says, “I just needed someone to care, and there you were."