Sherry's Story

This is Sherry's story from the Asset Development Commison's Public Hearing:

Are you able to provide for your family's current basic needs?

No, I have to stretch the money the government provides for me at this current time.

Do you use government aid programs?

Yes

Do you want to use assistance programs but don't know which ones are available?

I need assistance in other areas in my home, and I don't know what is available.

Are you embarrassed to use assistance programs like food stamps even though you need them?

Sometimes, because I know the support comes from the American people and our economy is not doing so good.

Do you want more education and job training?

Yes, I would like to learn another language, and I am currently in college trying to obtain an associates degree in business and management.

Do you want to get more training or education so you can get a better job but something is holding you back, like the cost or the lack of time?

Yes, as I stated above "I would learn another language and I am currently in college trying to obtain an associates degree in business and management." Nothing is holding me back except I do not have a degree.

Have you been able to start saving money for the future? If not what gets in your way?

No. The only thing that got in my way was the lack of a degree, I have worked eighteen years with a company and then another two with another, but because I did not have a degree the years of experiance did not amount to anything and I was not considered for a position that would relieve me of my finacial situation.

To much debt or a bad credit score?

My debt is not bad. I have considered my credit score but did not look for the exact number.

What kind of assistance and information would you need if you were to purchase a home or start your own business?

I am nit sure but these are two things that I would like to do in the near future.

How would you get enough money to get started?

By obtaining a job that is paying me more than the assistance I have now, I don't live beyond my means now.

Do you know where to go to seek help to understand what type of mortgage is right for you, or how to build a business?

No, I wish I could have access to this type of information.