The Achiever of the Month award for December 2003 was presented to Thara and Calvin Moore of Benton Harbor. Mr. and Mrs. Moore are the proud parents of three children. They first turned to the Family Independence Agency (FIA) for help in December 2002. At that time, the family had recently relocated from Mississippi, did not have a vehicle, could not find affordable housing and were staying with Mrs. Moore’s sister. Although Thara had started working at the Golden Palace, an assisted living facility, the couple was having difficulty making ends meet.
Through the Berrien County FIA the Moore’s were approved for Food Assistance Program (FAP) benefits, Medicaid and child day care.
Calvin Moore also gained employment, and was working at Kentucky Fried Chicken. However, Thara, who was pregnant, was unable to continue her job at the Golden Palace, after February 13, 2003. Once again, the couple was having difficulty providing for the family.
After the birth of their baby, the Moore’s applied to the FIA for assistance. The family began receiving Family Independence Program (FIP) benefits in April 2003.
When their FIP case opened, Calvin actively participated with the Work First program. The Berrien/Cass/Van Buren Michigan Works! agency supported Calvin’s work efforts by providing transportation to and from Kentucky Fried Chicken and later, to and from, the Pump House Grill. In August 2003, Work First purchased a vehicle and car insurance for the Moore’s.
That same month, Thara obtained employment with the Lakeland Continuing Care Center in St. Joseph County, as a licensed practical nurse. With both of them working, the family was able to move out of Mrs. Moore’s sister’s house and rent a home.
On August 2, 2003, the couple’s cash assistance and Food Assistance cases closed because of income from their earnings. Also, Thara and Calvin coordinated their work schedules with their childrens’ so, child day care was no longer needed. Currently, the only service the family receives is Medicaid.
The Moore’s are committed to making a better life for their family. In the future, Thara Moore plans to continue her education and become a registered nurse. Calvin, who has an associate’s degree in physical therapy, plans to complete his education and became a physical therapist.
Meanwhile, Mr. Moore is very involved in their childrens’ school activities and Mrs. Moore serves on a committee for the United Way and on a committee for breast cancer awareness.
Thara and Calvin Moore are the 121st Michigan residents to be honored with the Achiever of the Month award.
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The Achiever of the Month award for December 2003 was presented to Thara and Calvin Moore of Benton Harbor. Mr. and Mrs. Moore are the proud parents of three children. They first turned to the Family Independence Agency (FIA) for help in December 2002. At that time, the family had recently relocated from Mississippi, did not have a vehicle, could not find affordable housing and were staying with Mrs. Moore’s sister. Although Thara had started working at the Golden Palace, an assisted living facility, the couple was having difficulty making ends meet.
