The September 2001 Achiever of the Month Award was presented to Reqwal Heard. This proud mother of two children first turned to the Family Independence Agency (FIA) for help in May 1995. At the time, she was recovering from the birth of her first child, working in a low paying job and having a difficult time making ends meet. Through the Kalamazoo County FIA she received Aid for Dependent Children, now known as Family Independence Program benefits, food stamps and Medicaid.
In addition to cash benefits, the Kalamazoo County FIA supplied Reqwal with the funds to purchase clothing for work. Also, when her car needed repairs, the FIA authorized the money for it to be fixed so she would have reliable transportation to and from work. Goodwill Industries of Southwest Michigan, a Work First contractor for Kalamazoo County FIA also helped by providing mileage reimbursement.
For several years Reqwal was on and off assistance and working at a variety of part-time jobs to support her family. However, despite maintaining consistent employment she was still struggling financially. During this period she decided that education was her key to gaining economic independence so she decided to go back to school.
In the late 80’s Reqwal attended Jackson State University in Mississippi on academic and athletic scholarships. Later, she transferred to Mott Community College in Flint, where she earned an associate’s degree. She continued her education at the University of Michigan in Flint and finally, attended Western Michigan University. Although she was sometimes stressed out from juggling work, classes, studying and child care she remained committed to pursuing a degree in elementary education.
On June 23, 2001, Reqwal received her bachelor’s of science degree and teaching certificate from Western Michigan University. Today, she teaches fifth grade at Northglade Elementary in Kalamazoo. Reqwal’s cash assistance case closed in August 2001, due to earnings. She continues to receive child day care and transitional Medicaid.
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The September 2001 Achiever of the Month Award was presented to Reqwal Heard. This proud mother of two children first turned to the Family Independence Agency (FIA) for help in May 1995. At the time, she was recovering from the birth of her first child, working in a low paying job and having a difficult time making ends meet. Through the Kalamazoo County FIA she received Aid for Dependent Children, now known as Family Independence Program benefits, food stamps and Medicaid.
