Five years ago, Chelsea became a single mom, living with her grandma in a one bedroom apartment. DHHS referred her to Michigan Works! for assistance finding employment. At that time, Michigan Works! was able to help her find employment and help her purchase a vehicle to get to/from work. But unfortunately, shortly after that her grandma passed away. She had to find daycare for her son and was dealing with some medical issues as well, which soon caused her to lose her job. In June 2021, Chelsea was referred to Michigan Works! for employment assistance again.
Chelsea began working with Michigan Works! Career Advisor, Niki Chamberlain. Chelsea was very employable and found new employment rather quickly, but she had a lot of barriers to overcome. With help from Niki, Michigan Works! was able to assist Chelsea to get back on her feet again. Michigan Works! helped find someone to watch Chelsea’s son, who had been diagnosed with ADHD, autism, asthma and allergies. Finding qualified childcare for her son with these conditions had been a struggle for her. Michigan Works! also bought Chelsea new interview and work clothes, and helped her move into an apartment with her son.
In addition to childcare and work clothing, Michigan Works! was also able to offer Chelsea Transitional Support Services for meeting her job retention milestones. When Niki called Chelsea to let her know she would be getting a check in the mail for $375.00 she started crying. She was in the process of moving closer to her job and would be moving from an apartment to a rental house. This was perfect timing for her!
Chelsea stated that this is the best job she has ever had and Michigan Works! has helped her with so much over the past 5 years. She is also going to school part-time and working towards a business degree. She is happy to be less dependent on the government.
"I still have a long way to go and, of course, struggles and loads to take care of and balance, but this is all helping my son live a better life,” says Chelsea. “I learned a lot about myself. I also learned a little help goes a long way. Most importantly I learned with a lot of determination and some good goals and hard work, life doesn’t have to suck so hard. …and that statistics are numbers that are not set in stone and we can change - no matter how old we are or what life throws at us."