Although Kimberly wanted to work and become self-sufficient, she had several barriers to employment. She lacked recent job experience and had not worked outside the home in 12 years. In addition, she did not have a vehicle and it was difficult to travel in the community without a car.

Despite these challenges, Kimberly was excited and ready to make a new start. She was referred to Work First and began attending their Personal Enrichment and Growth workshop in Traverse City, 40 miles away. With no vehicle of her own, she had to leave home three hours early to attend the 9:00 a.m. class. Kimberly embraced the philosophy of the program and was an enthusiastic contributor during class sessions. Later, she even helped design a pamphlet that explained the Personal Enrichment and Growth workshop.

Kimberly was anxious to use the skills she had acquired during training. In her first meeting with her Michigan Works! career advisor, she prepared for an interview with a prospective employer and landed the job that very day. After working several months as a baker at the Blarney Castle Frankfort E-Z Mart she began looking for another job. Although she enjoyed her current position she was looking for something that paid more than her current employer. In December 2000 she interviewed and was hired as a direct care worker by Moores Assisted Living.