Vicki Donovan of Gladwin was presented with the February 2004, Achiever of the Month award. This single parent of four children applied to the Gladwin County Family Independence Agency (FIA) for assistance in November 2000, after moving to the area to be closer to extended family members. At that time, Vicki was separated from her spouse, had just obtained employment and needed help covering day care costs.
The FIA supported Vicki’s work efforts by supplying child day care assistance. Additionally, in April 2001, her family received Medicaid and Food Assistance Program (FAP) benefits to help make ends meet. The Gladwin County FIA, through their volunteer services program, also contributed gifts to her family on holidays.
In addition to receiving help from the FIA, the local Habitat for Humanity assisted Vicki with the purchase of her own home. The Gladwin school system provided support through their school programs and the King’s Church supplied school clothes for her children.
Vicki encountered several obstacles that were related to her employment. Her late work hours and the drive time to and from her job in Midland, made it difficult for her to be home to help her children with home work or participate in their after school activities.
In August 2001, Ms. Donovan, left her employment and applied for work at Carter’s Inc. (then IGA) in Beaverton. She was hired almost immediately, as a sales associate, and is still employed there today. In fact, she has received a promotion to General Section Manager and is responsible for the entire store two days a week.
While Vicki is pleased with her success at work, what she is most proud of are the achievements of her children. All four of them have made the honor roll at their schools and her two sons are working toward becoming Eagle Scouts.
Vicki is very involved in her children’s schools and their after school activities. Currently, she is an elementary and intermediate school volunteer and the Cub Scout Leader for two dens.
To date, Vicki receives child day care and FAP and her children receive Healthy Kids, a Medicaid program.
Because of her accomplishments, her strong will to succeed, and her efforts to provide a better life for her children, Vicki Donovan was selected to be the 123rd Michigan resident to receive the Achiever of the Month award.
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Vicki Donovan of Gladwin was presented with the February 2004, Achiever of the Month award. This single parent of four children applied to the Gladwin County Family Independence Agency (FIA) for assistance in November 2000, after moving to the area to be closer to extended family members. At that time, Vicki was separated from her spouse, had just obtained employment and needed help covering day care costs.
