ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times

DATE: Sunday, February 18, 1996              TAG: 9602190084
SECTION: CURRENT                  PAGE: NRV-17 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
DATELINE: CHRISTIANSBURG
SOURCE: ADRIANNE BEE 

RETURNING WHAT SHE HAS GOTTEN

In December, Melanie Collins, 30, had figured out the month's bills. After paying them, she had $58 left to spend on her four children for Christmas.

She works 40-hour weeks at New River Community Action helping families in emergencies. The job stemmed from an internship at New River Community College, where she was a student. She recently was chosen to sit on the six-member board of directors for New River Community Action as the voice of the poor.

Four years ago, Collins left her husband, who she says was abusive to her and her children. "That week, I also enrolled in college, filed for divorce, had my tubes tied and cut my hair," she said.

Even an act as commonplace as cutting her hair was a gesture of independence for Collins. Her husband would not allow family members to cut their hair. Trips to the grocery store also were forbidden, she said.

"I'm not going to be afraid anymore," said Collins, whose life was described by one friend as "pure hell."

"I work for my $354 in AFDC per month and $216 for child care," she says. Medicaid has been Collins' savior with a 6-year-old with arthritis and emotional problems stemming from abuse. She said all of the children have required counseling.

Collins and her children are trying to rebuild their lives. She hopes to have a new home - thanks to Habitat for Humanity and 500 hours of her and her children's work.

"We got to pick out the siding, the shingles, the colors," Collins said with a big smile."

She stops to answer the phone and help a family who may need food and housing or a bus ticket to a shelter.

"Working here is therapeutic," she says. "I'm giving back what I've been given."

LENGTH: Short :   47 lines
ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO:  GENE DALTON/Staff. Melanie Collins puts in 40 hours a 
          week at New River Community Action, helping families in emergencies.
          Her job stemmed from an internship at New River Community College, 
          where she was a student. Collins recently was chosen as one of six 
          board members for New River Community Action. color.