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| Carol Koon |
The April 2001 Achiever of the Month Award was presented to Carol Koon. This married mother of four children sought assistance from the Osceola County Family Independence Agency (FIA) in 1999, after her husband was laid of from his job and they discovered they would have to wait 6 to 8 weeks for unemployment benefits to begin. Through the FIA the Koon's received Family Independence Program (FIP) benifits, food stamps and Medicaid to help make ends meet. In addition, the FIA also supplied funds for car repairs, so Carol could maintain her job at Fosters Market.
Carol was referred to Work First. When additional car repairs were needed, her Work First provider, Hope Network supplied the funds. It was through Hope Network that Carol learned of the training program for 911 operators. When she expressed her desire to enter the program, Hope Network enrolled her, paid her training fees and purchased the clothing she needed for the program. Carol participated in the four week, 40 hours per week 911 operator training while working a full-time job. Despite the challenges of juggling family, work and training, Carol successfully completed the program in December 1999. Today, she works full-time for Lake County Central Dispatch in Baldwin.
In September 1999, Mr. Koon began receiving unemployment benefits and the family's eligibility for FIP and food stamps ended in October 1999. The family continued to receive Transitional Medicaid through September 2000. Currently, the Koon's receive health care benefits through Carol's employer. In addition, Mr. Koon gained employment. He now works at Leutz Brothers as an auto body repairman. Carol and her husband are wonderful models for teamwork and success. Through their example their children will learn that determination, perseverance in the face of adversity and hard work can lead to success.
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