Tammy LaJoie, of Escanaba, is the 127th recipient of the Family Independence Agency’s (FIA) Achiever of the Month award. This mother of three boys came to the Delta County FIA for help in November 1992. At that time she was pregnant, living with friends, had not earned her high school diploma and had no transportation. Through the FIA, LaJoie received Aid to Families with Dependent Children, Food Assistance, Medical Assistance and Child Day Care benefits.

In January 1993, she returned to high school and graduated in May 1994.

She was on and off cash assistance for several years afterward, working when she was able, but was sometimes unable to work because a disabled child needed her care.

The Work First Program helped LaJoie with funds for transportation and clothing suitable for the workplace. As a result, she was able to secure employment as a cashier at the Wal-Mart Super Center in Escanaba.