The January 2001 Achiever of the Month Award was presented to Roxanne Taylor of Jackson. Ms. Taylor is the single mother of three children. She came to the Family Independence Agency (FIA) in March 1998. At the time, she was pregnant with her third child, her husband had just left the household and she was badly in need of financial help to provide for her family. Through the Jackson County FIA she received Family Independence Program benefits, Medicaid, day care and food stamps.
Although Roxanne was a high school graduate and had attended classes at Jackson Community College, she had several barriers to employment. She lacked recent job experience and had not worked outside the home in five years. Also, she did not have a vehicle and it was difficult to travel to many areas within her community.
Despite these challenges, Roxanne was determined to succeed. While she was grateful for the support, she did not want to make welfare a legacy for her family. She decided that the best way to provide a better future for her children was to continue her education. With the help of student loans Roxanne was able to continue taking classes at Jackson Community College.
Although it was not easy, for several years Roxanne juggled classes, studying and children. She credits her mother with making many of the tough times bearable; not only did she provide emotional support, she also assisted Roxanne with transportation and day care.
Roxanne also received support from the Jackson community. Through the Community Action Agency she met a counselor for the Early Head Start program who was very helpful. The family also received assistance from the Lyons Club. The organization purchased a computer printer for her son, Jacob. He has a visual impairment and uses the equipment to assist him with his homework.
In June 1999, Roxanne earned an associates degree in Business and Accounting from Jackson Community College. After graduation she immediately began looking for employment. However, transportation continued to be a problem. So, in December 1999 Roxanne refinanced her home mortgage and purchased a used car. In March 2000, after expanding her job search, she was hired by the News Group. Later, when she began her new job as an Administrative Accounts Receivable Assistant, her Work First provider, South Central Michigan Works! supplied funds for car repairs and work clothing.
In April 1999 Roxanne's Family Independence Program case closed due to earnings. In April 2000 her food stamp case also closed because of earnings. She continues to receive Medicaid and day care.
Printer Friendly
Text Version 
Email Page
The January 2001 Achiever of the Month Award was presented to Roxanne Taylor of Jackson. Ms. Taylor is the single mother of three children. She came to the Family Independence Agency (FIA) in March 1998. At the time, she was pregnant with her third child, her husband had just left the household and she was badly in need of financial help to provide for her family. Through the Jackson County FIA she received Family Independence Program benefits, Medicaid, day care and food stamps.
