Rose Mary Grant came to ROI as a farmworker. Through the years, she has worked for ROI as a training and employment specialist, literacy coordinator and in an office. Rose Mary was a resident Carlken Manor before ROI purchased and rehabilitated the development into Heritage Meadows. After going through ROI’s Homebuyer Education Program, she purchased a home in Medina. ROI’s rehabilitation program staff renovated the house, putting on new siding and a new roof. In addition, ROI’s Home Energy Solutions helped her obtain a refrigerator. Today, Rose Mary works as a customer service representative, providing mortgage assistance to customers.

Francisco Chavez, his wife, Duvis Lopez, and the couple’s four children enjoy a safer and warmer home less expensive to maintain than in years past thanks to help from ROI’s Housing Rehabilitation and Energy Services Program. With assistance from two housing programs administered by ROI in Brighton and Monroe County, the Chavez family was able to complete much-needed housing repairs and increase home energy efficiency. Repairs included roof replacement, electric safety upgrades, plumbing repairs and attic insulation. Francisco, a medical research technician, and Duvis, an artist, settled in the Rochester area after moving to the U.S. from Colombia in 2001. The Chavez family is pleased these repairs no longer threaten their modest family budget.

Rafael Hernadez is a man who always has had a positive attitude toward life. Born in Mexico, he came to the United States to follow the American Dream. Overcoming many difficulties, including a language barrier and not having a place to live, Rafael worked hard and felt he had accomplished his dreams. Although his lifestyle was good, Rafael wanted more and came to ROI for help in finding a new job. Today, Rafael works for a railroad company, and for the first time in his life receives paid vacation. His next goal is to buy his first home.

Norman Brown had worked on a dairy farm for eight years, but after suffering a head injury that could cause seizures he no longer felt that he could continue this work. After receiving a clean bill of health to return to work, he contacted ROI. Norman wanted, but could not afford, training at a technical center. After receiving career counseling, ROI was able to place Norman in the training program of his choice, as well as assist him with the cost. Today, he is a full-time school custodian, earning $23,000 a year.

When Rachel Davis was a child, she wanted to be a nurse like her aunt. Out of work and money, in debt and the mother of two small children, Rachel continued to yearn for a profession like nursing to lead her out of poverty. She came to ROI for help with finances and career planning. She completed a medical secretarial course, but finding a full-time was harder than expected. Rachel fell behind in rent and other financial obligations. ROI’s Supported Work Program staff helped Rachel prioritize her problems, working with her to tackle overdue bills, develop a budget and gain job preparation skills. Rachel found employment with a vascular surgical team, which provides her with benefits and a livable wage.