News Release
For Immediate Release

TCOG Family Self-Sufficiency Client Achieves Home Ownership

SHERMAN, APRIL 28, 2015 – Texoma Council of Governments (TCOG) hosted a ribbon-cutting at 211 E. Cottonwood in Leonard, Texas to celebrate Cindi Spoonemore, a TCOG Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) client who realized the American Dream of home ownership. Mayor Willie Johnson, TCOG staff plus family and friends of Ms. Spoonemore were on hand to offer congratulations.

The goal of the TCOG FSS Program is to eliminate or decrease dependence on Government assistance and to establish self-sufficiency. As an FSS client, Ms. Spoonemore entered into a contract of participation with the main goal of becoming a homeowner. Through the program, Ms. Spoonemore worked to dramatically improve her credit score, completed the Homebuyer’s course, and ultimately became eligible for a mortgage loan.

“TCOG is synonymous with building quality of life in Texoma. What better way to do that than help a fellow Texoma citizen become self-sufficient and the owner of her own home,” stated Dr. Susan B. Thomas, TCOG Executive Director.

Through drive and determination, Ms. Spoonemore completed the FSS program and reached her ultimate goal of home ownership. When asked about her accomplishment, Cindi stated, “My house is awesome, and I wake up every morning with a smile on my face! I was surprised and impressed with how quickly TCOG’s Home Ownership program helped me to become a homeowner.”

The Family Self-Sufficiency and Home Ownership programs are subprograms of TCOG’s Section 8 HCV Program. The FSS program assists clients in achieving goals that are structured on a five year plan, and includes the Home Ownership program which specializes in preparing clients for home ownership.

The Texoma Council of Governments is a voluntary association of the local governments in Cooke, Fannin, and Grayson Counties. Established in 1968, the Texoma Council of Governments promotes economy and efficiency in the coordinated planning and development of the tri-county region through its community and economic development activities. Either directly, or through contractors, the Council provides housing, utility assistance, and weatherization services for low-income citizens in the region and assists the elderly through a variety of Area Agency on Aging programs. The Council also facilitates the delivery of grant funding for homeland security and criminal justice.