Through the Alpena County FIA the couple received Aid to Families with Dependent Children to help make ends meet.

During the next several years Roxanne was the victim of domestic violence. In 1991, despite the tremendous turmoil in her life, she began taking adult education classes and earned her GED, while pregnant with her third child.

In 1992, Roxanne’s spouse left the household. Roxanne was without financial support, unemployed, lacked job skills, and did not have a driver’s license.

Determined to do whatever was necessary to provide and care for her family, Roxanne, once again applied to the Alpena County FIA for assistance. She attended Work First and received Family Independence Program (FIP) benefits, Medicaid and Food Assistance.

In May 1999, Roxanne secured employment as a cashier at Neimans Family Market. That same year, she also began attending Alpena Community College. For the next three years, Roxanne walked to work and her classes, until she received her driver’s license in 2002.

After receiving her license, FIA supported Roxanne’s efforts by helping her purchase a vehicle through their Workers on Wheels Program. They also provided assistance by supplying child day care benefits.

Roxanne’s mother, father and siblings have also been very helpful by providing emotional support and day care services, whenever needed.

In May 2002, Roxanne earned an Associates Degree in Network Administration from Alpena Community College and made the Dean’s Honor Roll list. Additionally, to help improve her parenting skills, she attended weekly FIA parenting classes and worked with a parent Educator from Michigan State University Extension.

Today, Roxanne is still employed by Neimans Family Market. Her cash assistance case closed in June 2003. Currently, she receives transitional Medicaid and Food Assistance.

In the fall Roxanne plans to study Secondary Education at Spring Arbor College.