Gerald Miller presented the July, 1995 Achiever of the Month Award to Julie Thornton of Plainwell. In May of 1983, while living in Kalamazoo, Julie's husband left her and her son and she had to turn to DSS to help make ends meet.
In September of 1985 she and her husband got a divorce and in August of 1990 she moved to Allegan County to make a fresh start. She was referred to the MOST program and it was discovered that Julie had not worked since July of 1980 but had been volunteering at her son's school.
Julie was assigned to CWEP and worked with the clerical staff which increased her skills and self-esteem.
In January of 1992, Julie enrolled at Davenport College in Kalamazoo for a two-year Associates Degree program in accounting. In March 1994, she completed the Associates Degree program and obtained full-time employment in May, 1994 with an accounting firm in Kalamazoo making $8.41 per hour.
Julie overcame barriers such as lack of transportation and a lack of funds and managed to go to school full-time, raise a child and pursue her goal. Her AFDC case is closed due to excess income.
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Gerald Miller presented the July, 1995 Achiever of the Month Award to Julie Thornton of Plainwell. In May of 1983, while living in Kalamazoo, Julie's husband left her and her son and she had to turn to DSS to help make ends meet.
