Michigan Family Independence Agency (FIA) Director Marianne Udow presented the agency's statewide Achiever of the Month award to Tammy LaJoie of Escanaba on Friday, June 18, at Bay de Noc Community College in Escanaba.

The Achiever of the Month award was established in October 1993 to recognize persons making outstanding progress toward self-sufficiency under Michigan’s comprehensive welfare reform initiative To Strengthen Michigan Families.

This month's award acknowledges the accomplishments of Ms. LaJoie, a former public assistance recipient and mother of three children who has demonstrated remarkable progress toward economic independence and self-improvement.

Ms. LaJoie applied to the Delta County FIA for help in November 1992 when she was pregnant and living with friends. She had no high school diploma and no transportation. Through the FIA, she received Aid to Families with Dependent Children, Food Assistance, Medical Assistance and Child Day Care.

In January 1993, she returned to high school; she graduated in May 1994. The Work First Program helped her with funds for transportation and clothing suitable for the workplace. As a result, she was able to secure employment as a cashier at the Wal-Mart Super Center in Escanaba. In August 2003, her cash assistance case was closed due to earnings.

Tammy LaJoie is the 127th Michigan resident to be honored with the Achiever of the Month Award.