The Tireman/Central District FIA, provided Ms. Durden Freeman with Family Independence Program (FIP) benefits, Medicaid and Food Assistance Program (FAP) benefits to help make ends meet. Focus Hope and the WIC program also helped, with nutritional information and later, food for her daughter. Through her own efforts, Lakeysha found a place to stay and relocated to a new residence.

Lakeysha worked for several years as a cashier in a number of local restaurants. The FIA supported her work efforts by supplying child day care assistance.

In 1997, after the birth of her youngest daughter, Lakeysha needed help finding employment. The FIA referred Lakeysha to the Work First program. Goodwill Industries, the Tireman/Central District’s Work First contractor, helped her improve her interviewing skills and supplied information on job openings.

With their assistance, Lakeysha found employment as a booking agent and banquet server at the First Impression Staffing Agency. Goodwill Industries also provided bus tickets so she could travel to and from work, since she did not own a car.

Although Lakeysha was able to gain employment, she had difficulty finding day care. She decided that the best way to provide a place for her children was to become a day care provider. For three years Lakeysha was employed, off and on, at a day care facility operated by a close friend.

In 2001, Lakeysha left her employment and applied for a job at the Kroger Food Chain in Ferndale. Ms. Durden Freeman was hired almost immediately, as a Pharmacy Technician, and is still employed there today. In fact, she plans to increase her salary opportunities by taking the national pharmacy test within the next few months.

Ms. Durden Freeman’s FIP case closed in May 2002, due to her earnings. Currently, Lakeysha receives child day care and FAP and her children receive Medicaid.