Yolanda Hightower is the 112th recipient of the Family Independence Agency’s (FIA) Achiever of the Month award. This single mother of one first applied for assistance in November 1993, when she was pregnant and needed help providing for herself and her unborn child. Although she was working, Yolanda did not have health insurance. In addition, she was placed on medical restriction and required total bed rest until her child was born.
Through the Inkster District, Wayne County FIA, Yolanda received Family Independence (FIP) benefits, Medicaid and Food Assistance. After the birth of her daughter, Yolanda was determined to acquire a college education to increase her chances of landing a better paying job. Despite the fact that she lacked funds for schooling and reliable transportation she was committed to going to college.
Late in 1994, after receiving financial assistance from family and church friends, Yolanda enrolled in Highland Park Community College to pursue a nursing degree. In 1995, when the community college closed, Yolanda found employment at the Youth Living Centers as a development worker. In 1996, Yolanda continued her education at Washtenaw Community College.
Yolanda became employed as a part-time nurse’s aide at the University of Michigan Hospital in 1997. For the next several years Yolanda was off and on assistance, often holding down two jobs to provide for her family.
In 2000, Yolanda was referred to the Work First program. Her Work First provider, Employment and Training Designs Incorporated, and FIA supported her work efforts by supplying funds to purchase a reliable vehicle. Employment and Training Designs Incorporated and FIA also supplied Yolanda with clothing vouchers to buy uniforms and work shoes. Through their non-cash assistance program, her Work First provider covered the cost of a semester of Yolanda’s tuition. In addition, the FIA provided child day care assistance.
In 2001, Yolanda gained employment as a student nurse technician at Sinai Grace Hospital in Detroit. She continued her course work and in May 2002, graduated with a registered nursing degree. That same month Yolanda accepted a position as a Graduate Nurse at Sinai Grace Hospital. She still works there today. In December 2002, Yolanda passed her state board licensing examination and was granted her license as a Registered Nurse.
In the near future Yolanda plans to pursue a master’s degree. When it is completed she intends to enter Wayne State Medical School to fulfill her life-long dream of becoming a doctor.
Yolanda’s cash assistance case closed in October 2002, She no longer receives any assistance from the FIA. Yolanda is a wonderful inspiration for her family and others who can see that perseverance in the face of adversity and hard work can lead to success.
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Yolanda Hightower is the 112th recipient of the Family Independence Agency’s (FIA) Achiever of the Month award. This single mother of one first applied for assistance in November 1993, when she was pregnant and needed help providing for herself and her unborn child. Although she was working, Yolanda did not have health insurance. In addition, she was placed on medical restriction and required total bed rest until her child was born.
