Melissa Henry of Battle Creek was the proud recipient of the February 2001 Achiever of the Month Award. This single mother of seven children first began receiving Aid for Dependent Children in 1973. Later, when the program name changed she received Family Independence Program funds off and on for several years. In addition to cash assistance she also relied on Medicaid and food stamps to help make ends.
Melissa faced many struggles as a single parent and often found it difficult to cope with her many responsibilities. In addition to the struggles associated with being a single parent, Melissa also lived with domestic violence. Finding the courage to break free from her situation was difficult, but she knew she needed to do so for herself and for her children.
In May 1997, Melissa entered the Work First program. With the assistance of the Work First contractor, Foundation for Behavior Resources she got a job at a Little Caesars. Although she was grateful to have employment, she was not working many hours and she wanted to find a position that offered her the opportunity to earn more income. While she was still working at Little Caesars her mother gave her an application for a restaurant called the Chicken Coop. Melissa filled out the application, turned it in and was called in for an interview. In July 1997, she was hired.
Melissa continues to work at the Chicken Coop and is now their evening supervisor. On October 31, 1998 Melissa's cash assistance case closed due to earnings. Since that time she has supported her family with the money she earns from her job. Currently, Melissa receives Medicaid, food stamps and child day care.
Melissa's phrase to success, "I'm in it to win it", has proven true. She has turned her life around and is a wonderful role model for her children.
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Melissa Henry of Battle Creek was the proud recipient of the February 2001 Achiever of the Month Award. This single mother of seven children first began receiving Aid for Dependent Children in 1973. Later, when the program name changed she received Family Independence Program funds off and on for several years. In addition to cash assistance she also relied on Medicaid and food stamps to help make ends.
