Stephen and Lisa French of Mio received the May 1999 Achiever of the Month Award. The parents of four children first came to the Oscoda County Family Independence Agency (FIA) for assistance in February 1992. At that time, Mr. French worked at a variety of jobs but was unable to find employment that paid enough to support his family. Through the help of the Oscoda County FIA, the couple received Aid for Dependent Children (ADC), Medicaid and Food Stamps.
Since Mr. French had always enjoyed working with his hands, he decided to use his skills to start his own contracting business. However, he needed to attend classes and pass a state test to become a licensed builder. The FIA's MOST program paid for his classes at Kirtland Community College as well as his first building license. In 1993, Mr. French became a licensed residential builder.
In 1995, Lisa decided to pursue a nursing degree. The MOST program covered the majority of her tuition and she also received college scholarships. The FIA paid for day care and she received mileage reimbursement for her commute to Kirtland Community College. On May 14, 1999, Lisa graduated with a registered nursing degree. She is currently employed at the AuSable Valley Home.
The couple has overcome many barriers on the road to financial independence. They are wonderful role models for their children and have shown them that, with hard work and determination, you can improve your life. The French's ADC case closed in July 1995. Today, Lisa and Stephen French are independent of all public assistance.
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Stephen and Lisa French of Mio received the May 1999 Achiever of the Month Award. The parents of four children first came to the Oscoda County Family Independence Agency (FIA) for assistance in February 1992. At that time, Mr. French worked at a variety of jobs but was unable to find employment that paid enough to support his family. Through the help of the Oscoda County FIA, the couple received Aid for Dependent Children (ADC), Medicaid and Food Stamps.
