Through the Wexford/Missaukee County FIA, Jennifer received Aid for Dependent Children, now Family Independence Program (FIP) benefits, Medicaid and Food Assistance. For the next several years Jennifer was on and off assistance and struggling to provide for her family. Although she often found work, a job never lasted longer than a few months, making it impossible for her to maintain a steady income.

While Jennifer was determined not to make public assistance a way of life, she found it difficult to cope with the challenges of finding appropriate housing, being a single parent, a poor work history and unreliable transportation.

In 1998, to assist Jennifer in finding and maintaining employment, the FIA referred her to the Work First program. Northwest Michigan Works! helped Jennifer improve her interviewing skills and assisted with job search activities. Later, when she found employment, Work First provided funds for vehicle repairs.

The FIA assisted Jennifer’s work efforts by supplying day care benefits. Additionally, family and friends provided Jennifer with a place to stay when she needed it. However, in 2000, Jennifer’s lack of stable housing led to her loss of employment at Wendy’s. In addition, her children were having difficulty in school because of the family’s frequent moves. To help Jennifer address her parenting concerns, the FIA referred her to their Prevention Services program. As part of the program, Jennifer received parenting and stress reduction counseling through community service providers.

In November 2000, Jennifer found employment at the Wal-Mart in Cadillac. Unfortunately, after only two days on the job, Jennifer was seriously injured in a car accident and Wal-Mart released her from employment because she was unable to work. After recovering from her injuries, Jennifer again applied to Wal-Mart for employment. On March 13, 2001, she was hired as a part-time employee and by August of 2001, she was working full-time.

Jennifer’s FIP case closed in October 2001, due to her earnings. Her Food Assistance case closed in August 2002, and her child day care case closed in January 2003. Currently she is active on Medicaid and her children are in the Healthy Kids program. She continues to be employed at Wal-Mart as a cashier/service clerk.

Jennifer recently married. In the near future, she and her husband plan to purchase their own home. After so many moves, Jennifer relishes the idea of having a place of her own.