The October 2002 Achiever of the Month award was presented to Demetria and David Easterly of Chesterfield. Mr. and Mrs. Easterly are the proud parents of two children. They turned to the Family Independence Agency (FIA) for assistance in July 2002. At that time, the family had recently relocated from Detroit to Macomb County, they were homeless and both parents were unemployed. Through the Macomb County FIA they were approved for Family Independence Program (FIP) benefits, Food Assistance and Medicaid.
Although he was not required to participate in Work First because of the family’s homeless situation, Mr. Easterly was encouraged to volunteer in the program, which he did. He explored several Work First generated job leads and gained employment in less than four weeks. On August 12, David Easterly began working full-time at the MNP Corporation in Utica as a bander. He continues to work there today, but has received a promotion and is now employed as a hi-low driver.
In addition, the couple located housing, but could only pay a portion of the first month’s rent. FIA assisted the family by providing the balance of the rent and the security deposit.
Demetria, wanting to contribute to her husband’s efforts to become self-sufficient, began her own job search. On October 10, she began working full-time at the International Star Corporation in New Baltimore.
The Easterly’s FIP and Food Assistance cases closed on August 27, 2002 due to income from earnings. Currently, they receive transitional Medicaid, which can last for up to one year after departure from cash assistance.
David’s efforts to make a better life for his family continue. Today, he is enrolled in the GED preparation program through his Work First provider, the Macomb/St. Clair Work Force Development Board.
Demetria and David Easterly are the 107th Michigan residents to be honored with the Achiever of the Month award.
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The October 2002 Achiever of the Month award was presented to Demetria and David Easterly of Chesterfield. Mr. and Mrs. Easterly are the proud parents of two children. They turned to the Family Independence Agency (FIA) for assistance in July 2002. At that time, the family had recently relocated from Detroit to Macomb County, they were homeless and both parents were unemployed. Through the Macomb County FIA they were approved for Family Independence Program (FIP) benefits, Food Assistance and Medicaid.
