Karen was introduced to Mid Florida Community Services (MFCS) Family self-Sufficiency Program (FSS) while receiving help with her electric bill through Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). MFCS helped her with books, shoes, scrubs, medical supplies and gas cards to get to and from school. She completed the Medical Assistance Specialist Program at Pasco-Hernando State College. With her training, she was able to secure a livable wage job with benefits at a local health care facility providing clinical and administrative support to physicians. Wearing a smile she says proudly, "I'm off food stamps and I can pay my own electric bill. My air conditioner broke and I was able to fix it. Before, I was borrowing money from others and now I'm self-sufficient." Karen worked hard in the FSSP and often sacrificed wants for needs, "I was without cable and internent services for two years, but now I can afford it." Her advice to others interested in FSSP is, "Take the help. MFCS is caring, giving and they will check on you to make sure you're okay. I wouldn't have been able to accomplish what I did without their help."
