Shelly Wolanske, first came to ROI as a participant in the Section 8 Rental Assistance Program. A single mother who works two jobs to support her teenage son, Shelly completed the ROI Homebuyer Education Program and individual sessions regarding debt reduction and credit counseling. With ROI’s help, she received a USDA-subsidized mortgage and an Acquisition Rehabilitation Grant from Affordable Housing Corp., which allowed for repairs to her home, including a new furnace and roof. Shelly is a success story of an individual who was persistent in completing her goals and overcoming barriers to achieve her dreams. .

After 15 years working on farms, Felipe Lupian had a strong desire to create a better life for his wife, Maria, and their three children. He came to ROI with the goal of obtaining his Commercial Driver’s License. ROI staff helped Felipe find and prepare for admission to a CDL class taught in Spanish, but it was 110 miles away. Not one to be deterred, Felipe requested double classes so he could finish early and begin his new career. He passed his test on the first try and found a job at a plant transporting food, increasing his salary by 66 percent.

Diana Olvera’s parents traveled from Mexico to Pennsylvania seeking farmwork to better provide for their family. ROI’s Migrant Head Start Program allowed Diana’s parents to go to work knowing their children were in a secure, nurturing environment. Diana founded the Murals Uniting Minds Program and was chosen as lead artist for the National Art Honor Society, Mural Arts Program and Eisenhower Elementary Library Mural. A recipient of numerous academic scholarships and art awards, Diana now attends the Maryland Institute College of Art and credits ROI’s Head Start Program for her success.

Arlene Gado came from the Philippines to America on a work contract to provide nanny services for three children for $8 an hour. Upon her arrival in California, she was taken to New Jersey, where her Passport and Visa were taken away. She was told not to leave the house because or she would be arrested. Arlene was forced to provide continuous care to an incapacitated male, clean, cook and give massages, manicures and pedicures. Paid $250 a month, in 2006 she began caring for an infant for an extra $75 a month. Arlene was able to place a call to her aunt, who called officials. The Division of Criminal Justice contacted ROI to help remove Arlene from the home and provide her with services. The trafficker pleaded guilty to criminal restraint charges and was ordered to pay Arlene $78,000. Arlene, who now works in an office, received her work authorization and will able to apply for Visa in 2008.

Through a series of events, in the autumn of 2005 Irene Ross found herself homeless, living in a camper without heat. With winter fast approaching, she heard about ROI and attended an information session about our Homebuyer Education Program. Irene went through the program and received training, counseling and guidance from ROI. She was then approved by the USDA for a subsidized mortgage and received down payment assistance from Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority. With the help of ROI, Irene found a home in the town of Gaston to call her own.