Supports for Success

Supports for Success

Supports for Success offers a strength-based approach that empowers individuals and families with the education, resources, and tools to achieve their goals and improve financial stability.

Individuals and families work with a Supports Specialist who provides one-on-one coaching, advocacy, resources and referrals, and ongoing support that help individuals and families achieve their goals. In collaboration with the Supports Specialist, participants identify their strengths and needs, develop a goal plan with action steps, and are educated about resources that can help make goal attainment more successful.

Participants of Supports for Success also receive help with:

• Employment supports
• Resume development and job search assistance
• Enrolling in college and/or vocational training
• Budget and credit counseling
• Referrals to public and/or community resources
• And much more!!!

To participate, individuals age 18 or older must meet income eligibility (200% of the Federal poverty level or less), be working toward an employment, education, or training goal, and live within the Mon Valley of Allegheny County.

Participants should be willing and motivated to:

• Collaborate with the Supports Specialist to plan, set, and achieve goals and develop a budget;
• Attend monthly meetings and share progress updates; and 
• Provide income and other verification documents for enrollment and continued eligibility.

Families access the services of Supports for Success through the Supports Specialist, who can be reached at 412-829-7112 or by completing this application.

Supports for Success is funded in whole or in part under the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) from the Federal Department of Health and Human Services under the administration of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Community and Economic Development. Allegheny County Department of Human Services is the local agency which makes the CSBG funding award.

In 2021, HSCMV received a written letter from Rico Carter who was serving a 22 to 45-year sentence. In the letter, Rico shared his background, experiences, accomplishments, goals, and asked for resources to successfully transition back to society after serving 22 years in prison. The Human Services Center responded to Rico’s letter and in November 2021, Rico was enrolled in the Supports for Success program. Rico hit the ground running and consistently achieved one goal after another. Rico started the All-State Career School’s CDL program in November 2021, obtained a part-time delivery job while in school, passed his CDL permit in January 2022, obtained a second part-time job, and purchased a car in April. Rico completed the CDL program in May 2022, passed the test, and obtained his CDL license at the end of June. Rico recognized that his criminal history and lack of driving experience could potentially be barriers, but he remained optimistic, confident, and never gave up. In September, Rico accepted a full-time CDL B driving position that offered full benefits. Rico’s credit is good, he is able to manage his budget, he obtained his own place, and now gives back by volunteering once a month at a local food pantry.