The September 2002 Achiever of the Month award was presented to Mandy Rushlow and Jason Troop of Newberry. The couple are the proud parent’s of one child. They turned to the Family Independence Agency (FIA) for assistance in March 2002. At that time Mandy was unemployed and Jason had recently been laid off from a factory position due to downsizing. Both parents were uncomfortable with asking for assistance but, they felt it was necessary if they were to provide a better future for themselves and for their 9 ½ month old son. Through the Luce County FIA the family received Family Independence Program benefits, Food Assistance and Medicaid to help make ends meet.
The FIA also referred Mandy and Jason to the Work First program. On March 31, 2002, the couple attended a joint Work First and FIA orientation. Despite their apprehension about the Work First program they each resolved to do their best and make the most of every opportunity.
Mandy and Jason faced several barriers to employment. They lacked reliable transportation and live in a rural community that offers few employment opportunities close to home. Most of the couple’s job search activities involved traveling 150 miles a day. The family also needed assistance with child care.
Their Work First provider, Eastern Upper Peninsula Michigan Works! enrolled the couple in employment training classes. Mandy and Jason worked on resume writing, developing their job search goals and educational long term dreams. Additionally, the Michigan Works! agency supported Mandy and Jason’s work efforts by supplying funds for gas, vehicle repairs, car insurance and interview clothing. When their vehicle was no longer road worthy, Work First also provided the couple with the funds to purchase another car. The FIA assisted Mandy and Jason with child care costs and referred the couple to a Community Coordinated Child Care specialist who helped them find reliable day care for their son.
In April, Eastern Upper Peninsula Michigan Works! referred Jason to Soo Plastics, Inc. in Sault Ste. Marie. He interviewed and was hired on April 10, 2002, and still works there today. Since gaining his position as a machine operator, he has been named team leader three times. Jason is often commended for his hard work and has been termed a “super employee”.
Mandy also found employment. On May 1, she began working as a clerk at Snyder Drugs in Newberry, where she works today. Mandy is described as a diligent worker with a strong work ethic. She often accepts additional work hours and has filled in numerous times for other employees.
The couple’s hard work and determination quickly paid off. In May 2002, their cash assistance case closed due to their earnings. Currently, they receive only Medicaid assistance for their son.
On September 20, 2002 Mandy Rushlow and Jason Troop became the 106th recipients of the Achiever of the Month award.
Printer Friendly
Text Version 
Email Page
The September 2002 Achiever of the Month award was presented to Mandy Rushlow and Jason Troop of Newberry. The couple are the proud parent’s of one child. They turned to the Family Independence Agency (FIA) for assistance in March 2002. At that time Mandy was unemployed and Jason had recently been laid off from a factory position due to downsizing. Both parents were uncomfortable with asking for assistance but, they felt it was necessary if they were to provide a better future for themselves and for their 9 ½ month old son. Through the Luce County FIA the family received Family Independence Program benefits, Food Assistance and Medicaid to help make ends meet.
