Building Economic Futures for Americans with Disabilities
Real Economic Impact Tour
WID Featured Successes
A New Beginning - Victoria Skelton
Victoria Skelton is far more of a visionary than a mere survivor: to call her a survivor would be an understatement. Despite an abusive childhood, growing up poor, and disabling mental conditions that at times have left her paralyzed by fear; Victoria does not waste time with blame or resentment. She is constantly looking towards the future. The opportunities she has had in her life have mostly been due to own hard work and determination. Yet, Victoria has managed to find the balance between forging her own path and accepting the help that has been so generously offered at her greatest moments of need.
On the path towards achieving economic self-sufficiency, Victoria found the Women’s Opportunities Resource Center (WORC). She enrolled in their innovative Family Savings Account (FSA) Program (also known as an IDA program). The FSA program is a statewide matched savings program in Pennsylvania for low-income individuals.
For the program, Victoria had to save a minimum of $10 every week and take financial education classes. She chose to take courses in banking, taxes, investing, and attended the loans & grants conference held yearly by WORC. Starting the program in February 2002 and graduating in May 2004, Victoria saved a total of $1,053 of her own money. WORC matched her 2-year savings of $960 dollar for dollar giving her $2,013 towards her savings goal of home repair/renovation.
WORC developed and launched the Family Savings Account program in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) in 1997. It has since gown in to the largest state-funded IDA program. The DCED funds the Family Savings Account Program, and operates under rules that are unique when compared to those of most states. Specifically, they were grandfathered into the Assets For Independence Act (AFIA) legislation that allows for more kinds of asset purchases and does not require ‘earned income’.
For Victoria, this was essential. While, she holds a job as a mail clerk for a prestigious Ivy League law school, at the time she participated in the program, she relied on her Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and her husband's income to make ends meet. The limitations on earnings coupled with the asset restrictions imposed by SSI are near impossible to surmount in most states. Fortunately for Victoria, Pennsylvania’s limitations are more flexible than most states.
These different rules allowed Victoria to spend her savings and match money on much needed home repairs-such as a new door, bars on the windows, and a new air conditioner. The renovations have not only provided a cosmetic change, but a much safer living environment that has greatly contributed to Victoria’s more stable health.
Victoria’s renewed mental stability has provided her with an increasingly positive outlook for her future. Though at an age when many think of retirement, Victoria feels that a new stage in her life is just beginning. She longs to escape the ‘working poor’ status that is increasingly becoming the forgotten class in America. With the rising costs of health care and increasing ‘outsourcing’- adequately paying jobs with sufficient benefits are increasingly rare. For those with disabilities, the outlook is often even bleaker.
Yet, Victoria seeks to defy all the odds. Given her determined spirit and a combination of a college degree, outside the box creativity, and bilingual abilities; she certainly has attributes that tip the scales in her favor. Taking part in the asset building program at WORC was simply a crucial step along the way for Victoria. She sees it not as an end; but rather, a new beginning. Victoria is ready to take the next step.