COOPERATIVE SOCIAL AGENCIES ARE EFFECTIVE

In a country where stories about welfare system abuse and refusal to work are all too common, Elsie Welch's story is particularly inspiring.

Welch was an unemployed single mom when she arrived at the Safe House for Women earlier this year seeking refuge from an abusive relationship.

She received help from a number of other social service agencies in Cape Girardeau: Project Hope, Jump Start on Jobs and the Private Industry Council. She got a job as a late-shift cook at Southeast Missouri Hospital after bringing a sample of her chicken and dumplings to the interview. What a resume! Her son contributes to the family's support through his involvement with the Job Corps in Charleston.

Welch's story illustrates two things. First, Cape Girardeau agencies can do anything for people if they work together. And no situation is so bad that it can't be changed.