Contact: Silvia Garcia or Amy Johnson
sgarcia@cfcaa.org
ajohnson@cfcaa.org
352-378-2168

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (May 29, 2008)- Central Florida Community Action Agency is proud to announce that Juanita L. Edwards has been named Florida Association for Community Action’s Self-Sufficiency Award winner for 2008.

The FACA Self-Sufficiency Award recognizes individuals who, in coordination with Community Action Agencies, have changed their lives and achieved economic independence. 

“The staff at Central Florida Community Action Agency became my family and support system for the past 15 months and provided me with financial assistance, counseling and guidance,” said Edwards.

She accepted a “hand up” from CFCAA rather than receiving a “handout” through dependence on public assistance.  Edwards went from being an unemployed mother of three on substantial public assistance to becoming self-sufficient by obtaining her General Educational Development (GED) certificate in October 2006 and completing coursework in medical billing/coding at Santa Fe Community College.  She is now pursuing her Florida State Certification/Licensure as a Medical Biller/Coder, while working full-time, and she is free of public assistance and working toward first time homeownership.

Edwards is not the only one in her family with outstanding achievements.  Her children were also enrolled in the program.  Before entering, Edwards said her children were struggling in school. Prior to their participation in the Family Self-Sufficiency Program, her 10-year-old daughter was reading below grade level and having difficulty at school, while her 6-year-old daughter didn’t know her letters and her son was reported to be developmentally delayed. 

“Now, Edwards and CFCAA are proud to report that her 10-year-old daughter is reading above her grade level and is on the honor roll, and her youngest daughter now knows all of her letters and numbers and is reading,” Robert W. Wilford, chief executive officer, said.  

The FSSP strives to make a difference in the lives of others by helping people become financially and socially independent.  Through research, CFCAA found that it takes $8,500 to $9,000 dollars annually for the government to provide public services to a family of four.  The 38 participants of FSSP who are employed and earn on average about $20,000 annually represent $760,000 annual savings to taxpayers.

Central Florida Community Action Agency is a private, nonprofit community-based organization that is committed to helping people strengthen their lives. For more information, visit its website, www.cfcaa.org.

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