Michigan Family Independence Agency (FIA) Field Operations Administration Deputy Director Jim Nye presented the agency’s statewide Achiever of the Month award to Karen Marie McMillan of Charlotte on Friday, July 23, at the Eaton County FIA office in Charlotte.

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. McMillan, a former public assistance recipient and married mother of three children, who has demonstrated remarkable progress toward economic independence and self-improvement.

Ms. McMillan left high school before earning her diploma and was pregnant when she first turned to the FIA for assistance. The FIA and Michigan Works! helped her with transportation costs, clothing expenses, cash assistance, food assistance and medical care. Ms. McMillan was able to complete her GED before the birth of her oldest daughter. She currently works as an Instructional Assistant for the Lansing School District and is preparing to take classes at Lansing Community College. Her goal is to complete a four-year degree in Education. Her Family Independence Program case has been closed due to her earnings.

Karen Marie McMillan is the 128th Michigan resident to be honored with the Achiever of the Month Award.