Sixteen current and former Chicago Housing Authority residents graduated from a program that puts them on a path of self-reliance. Last night they celebrated with family, caseworkers and some chocolate cake.

New jobs. New degrees. New homes.

Those are the achievements of participants who completed the five-year Family Self Sufficiency program, sponsored by the CHA.

They received various forms of counseling and training. Earlier this month Tamara West and her three children moved into a house in the Auburn-Gresham neighborhood. She says it’s lovely.

Prior to the program…

WEST: I did not have a savings account. I did not have a checking account, living check to check. I don’t do that anymore.

The program helped West save $12,000 as part of her home down payment. She went back to school, receiving certification as a licensed practical nurse. Now she works at a nursing home.

I’m Natalie Moore, Chicago Public Radio.