Former Haskell County food stamp recipient earns college degrees

OKLAHOMA CITY -- When Leta Stotts walked into the Haskell County DHS office in July 2010, she didn’t have a job and had almost depleted her savings. She admits she was at her “wit’s end.”

Stotts, a single mother of three, says she remembers feeling "desperate” to help her family. Knowing that she needed to put food on the table, Stotts applied for food benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Marlyn LaVergne was the DHS social services worker who helped Stotts with the paperwork. 

“Marlyn was so bubbly and she quickly took away my anxiety and embarrassment,” says Stotts. “She explained my options and told me I could go back to school and better my future.”

LaVergne’s message had a real impact on Stotts.

“I went to Power One and then enrolled at Carl Albert State College (CASC),” says Stotts. ”The next thing I know, I was inducted into Phi Theta Kappa honors society. Marlyn was there to cheer me on every step of the way.”

Power One is a career readiness program that helps participants build job skills and assist with job and education placement. Stotts earned an associate’s degree in pre-secondary education with a 3.76 GPA (grade point average) and graduated with honors from CASC in Poteau in May 2011. She says she owes a lot to LaVergne.

“She always kept my spirits up and made me feel good about what I was doing,” says Stotts.

With LaVergne’s encouragement, Stotts decided to continue her education. In May 2013, Stotts earned a bachelor’s degree in human resources counseling from East Central University (ECU) in Ada. Once again, LaVergne was there.

“I graduated with honors and sure enough, as I walked across the stage, there was Marlyn sitting next to my family with a big smile and tears in her eyes,” says Stotts. “I could see how proud she was of me. I hear all the time about how she brags about me and my accomplishments.”

Stotts is now an intern at the Haskell County DHS office in Stigler. She assists with the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and serves as a translator, speaking and writing Spanish. 

“Marlyn says I am an inspiration but truthfully, she is,” says Stotts. “She is a great worker and has been a great support to me as I furthered my education. Once my internship is over, I will put in my application to DHS so I can give back to the people and community that believed in me.”

Stotts is now enrolled in classes for her master’s degree from ECU and goes to school one night a week. 

“Even though I am no longer a client, I know Marlyn will be there cheering me on when I receive my degree in human resources administration,” says Stotts. “Marlyn is special. She goes above and beyond to support her clients and she has an ability to help her clients see that life has endless possibilities.”

Leta Stotts (left) and Marlyn LaVergne.

LaVergne has been with DHS in Haskell County since 2006.