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| Kimberley Emelander |
The August 1999 Achiever of the Month Award was presented to Kimberley Emelander of Kent County. Kimberly Emelander is the single mother of three children. She turned to the Kent County FIA in March 1995 to help make ends meet. In July 1996, she moved to Hastings where she continued to receive Family Independence Program funds, Medicaid and Food Stamps through the Barry County FIA. That same month Kimberly was referred to the Work First Program and attended classes designed to prepare her for entering the working world. She practiced interviewing, created resumes and participated in other employment related activities. Through the assistance of the FIA and their Work First contractor, Foundation for Behavioral Resources she also earned her GED.
With the help of Work First, Kimberly gained her very first job at a Shell gas station in Hastings. Her employment experience was extremely successful. During her 2-½ years at Shell she was awarded the district’s Employee of the Year Award twice. When the work participation requirements increased for the Family Independence Program (FIP) she looked for and found employment with the Gentex Corporation.
Later, she searched for a job closer to home and found employment through a temporary placing agency, at Lowell Engineering. On August 2, 1999, Kimberly was hired at Lowell as a full time employee. On January 26, 1999, Kimberly’s FIP case closed due to earnings. She continues to receive Transitional Medicaid and Food Stamps. Kimberly has turned her life around and is a wonderful role model for her children. Through her example they are learning that determination and hard work can lead to success.
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