One of Clinton's local non-profits is committed to supporting low-income people and families, without giving them handouts. 

Silas Tockey with Community Action explains that this is where the Hand Up Project comes in. Anyone who chooses to participate in this program is paired up with a coach, who helps them identify barriers in their life and helps them figure out how to get around them or work through them. The purpose of the Hand Up Project is to help people reach their goals. 

Once you have completed the intake process, Tockey indicates that there is some coursework to be completed. He notes that it is not for a grade, but rather it encourages you to do some self-reflection. 

The start is often the hardest part of any journey to reach your goals. Tockey mentions that the success of a person in this program is completely dependent on their buy-in and willingness to put the work in, especially outside of their meetings with Community Action.

These are all ways that Community Action is giving people a hand up, rather than a hand out. Keep it to the Hart Media Group in the days ahead to hear more from Tockey on those efforts.

To learn more about the Hand Up Project and all the programs offered by Community Action, visit capcil.info.