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| Patti Jo and Willie Tyler |
July's Achiever of the Month Award was presented to Patti Jo and Willie Tyler of Gulliver. On February 1, 1999, the couple turned to the Schoolcraft County FIA for assistance after Mr. Tyler's unemployment benefits expired. Because Mrs. Tyler was also unemployed, the parents were very worried about providing for their 3-month-old son. Through the FIA they received Family Independence Program funds, Food Stamps and Medicaid. While they were grateful for the help, Mr. and Mrs. Tyler were determined to make sure the assistance would only be temporary.
The FIA referred the Tyler's to the Work First program, at the Schoolcraft County Economic Development Corporation. Willie received job counseling, developed resumes and participated in the Job Experience Program. Patti Joe and Willie Tyler had several barriers to finding jobs: no high school diploma; unreliable transportation; and they resided in a community that offered few opportunities for full-time employment. To help them expand their job search the FIA paid for car repairs. Willie kept in close contact with the Work First office, consistently filling out employee contact forms and pursing job leads.
It was through the Schoolcraft County Economic Development Corporation that Willie learned of a position at the Manistique Saw and Planning Mill, Inc. He applied and was hired full time in April as a laborer. Work First also provided him with the funds to buy work clothes. Mr. Tyler enjoys his job and has received several pay raises. However, what pleases him the most is that his employment is not dependent on the tourist trade. Mrs. Tyler was also interested in contributing to the family's income. When an Adult Services Worker at the Schoolcraft FIA offered her the opportunity to provide home help services to her ailing parents, she gladly accepted. The Tyler's financial assistance case closed in May 1999 because of excess earnings. Currently, they receive Transitional Medicaid and Food Stamps. Today, Patti Jo and Willie Tyler are on a path to a brighter future. Through perseverance and hard work the couple has made great strides toward economic independence.
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