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| Holly Word-Hill |
The December 1998 Achiever of the Month Award was presented to Holly Word-Hill. The single mother of five has been on assistance for more than 25 years. When Holly was referred to Work First she was apprehensive about entering the program. She worried about how it would affect her grant? Did she have the necessary social skills to function on a job? Could she handle being independent? In addition to these fears, Holly was self conscious about her appearance. She needed dental work and was uncomfortable with the idea of interviewing and working around others. Holly says that she became a new person after attending a Work First joint orientation session. Job counseling increased her feelings of self worth and motivated her to succeed. Her participation at her Work First site, Arbor Career Center, was so positive she even volunteered to help staff and other participants. Despite having several job interviews Holly did not gain employment. She became discouraged and considered giving up. The director of the Arbor Career Center not only encouraged Holly to keep trying, she also convinced Holly to use Medicaid services to get some dental work done. Afterward, Holly became increasingly more confident and optimistic. These and other qualities led to her employment as a receptionist at the Arbor Career Center. Her FIA case closed in May of 1998. Holly continues to receive Medicaid and participates in the Food Stamp cash out program. Through her example her children are learning that determination and hard work can lead to success.
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