Belynda McKeller-Nabors is the proud recipient of the September 2000 Achiever of the Month Award. The mother of eight chidren is a second generation welfare recipient who turned to the Family Independence Agency (FIA) for assistance in April 1983. For a number of years she relied on Aid for Dependent Children, food stamps and Medicaid to help make ends meet.
Belynda began to use drugs and as her dependence increased she began to see the problems it was causing herself and her children. In 1998 Belynda, determined to get off drugs, entered the Salvation Army Drug Rehabilitation Program. While undergoing treatment she married the father of her children and began taking steps to make a new life for her family.
After completing the program in March 1999, Belynda's case was transferred to the Fort Wayne District FIA. Upon her release from the drug rehabilitation program, the family experienced difficulty securing housing, because of their family size. Belynda sought the assistance of organizations like, New Step, Prevention, Southwest Community Mental Health and Traveler's Aid to find a home. After a lot of searching and numerous referrals, Belynda found a home through the newspaper. With the help of the Salvation Army she and her husband were able to receive a housing subsidy to keep rent affordable.
Belynda was referred to the Work First program, where she was tested and sent to Marygrove College to complete her high school education. During that time she became employed at Professional Garment Service in Detroit. On April 30 of this year her Family Independence Program case closed due to income. The family continues to receive food stamps and Medicaid. Belynda has obtained her GED and is interested in continuing her education. She is enrolled in the winter semester at Wayne Community College and plans to study computers.
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Belynda McKeller-Nabors is the proud recipient of the September 2000 Achiever of the Month Award. The mother of eight chidren is a second generation welfare recipient who turned to the Family Independence Agency (FIA) for assistance in April 1983. For a number of years she relied on Aid for Dependent Children, food stamps and Medicaid to help make ends meet.
