Charlotte resident Karen Marie McMillan is the 128th recipient of the Family Independence Agency’s (FIA) Achiever of the Month award. This married mother of three children came to the Eaton County FIA for help in August 1985 when she was an unemployed high school dropout, single and pregnant. The FIA helped her with Aid for Families with Dependent Children, Medicaid and Food Assistance benefits.

For many years, Karen’s lack of a high school diploma had been limiting her employment opportunities and diminishing her self-confidence. The upcoming birth of her child motivated her to complete her studies and she obtained her GED before the birth of her daughter.

“Wanting to be able to provide a better life for my daughter inspired me to earn my GED,” McMillan said. “And I was determined to have it before her birth. I felt really proud when I accomplished my goal.”

For the next several years, McMillan worked at a variety of jobs and was on and off cash assistance. To help her find and maintain consistent employment, Capital Area Michigan Works! assisted her in developing her resume and job interviewing skills. The agency also helped her with purchasing clothing for interviews and transportation costs. In addition, she participated in a series of tests to evaluate her abilities and work aptitude.

In September 1993, Karen was hired by the Lansing School District as a food assistant. After working in that position for some time, she applied for a part-time instructional assistant position for special needs children and was hired. McMillan was also able to pick up additional hours as a breakfast and lunch cashier. Her cash assistance case was closed in March 1999 due to her earnings.

McMillan is currently taking classes at Lansing Community College. Her goal is to complete a four-year degree in education and continue to work with special needs children.