Benton, Ark. - Christi Haynes is a single mother of two in Saline County. Less than 3 weeks before school started, Christi was laid off from her job.  That meant no income or support to help buy school supplies for her son who was entering 5th grade and her daughter, who was going into 7th grade. 
 
“When I was put out of work all of a sudden, I was stressing,” Christi says. 
 
For the first time, Christi found herself needing help with purchasing school supplies.  The 2009 Back to School event in Benton helped meet her needs.  Christi and her children attended the August 1st event, where she says her expectations were exceeded.
 
“This is a great service for me and my children,” she stated.
 
Christi states her relationship with Michelle Hood in the Benton CADC family development office was important to her finding out about the event in the community. Through CADC, Christi had invaluable resources, including teaching her children about saving energy.
 
“The Assurance 16 class really helped me and my children realize how important it is to save energy, to cut back and that even the small things you do really add up,” she said.
 
CADC partners with the Ralph Bunche Community Action Committee for the annual back to school event in Benton and continues to support low and moderate income families in becoming self-sufficient through energy education classes. Through partnerships with community based organizations, CADC is empowering families like Christi to self-sufficiency.

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