Title: Family Independent Manager (Retired)

Company: Berrien County Department of Human Services

Location: Benton Harbor, Mich.

Through her passion for helping others become self-sufficient, Cathy Jones-Yates continues in her 41^st year providing organizational leadership and special education  through Berrien County. She is a retired family independent manager through the county’s department of human services, occasionally called upon for consulting work today. Prior to working for Berrien County, Ms. Jones-Yates was a teacher at Benton Harbor Area School.

Ms. Jones-Yates attributes her success to the support she receives from her grandmother Ogretta Norman and her mother Ella Rena. She has received the Alumni and Outstanding Awards through Lake Michican College, and has earned master’s degrees in organizational leadership and special education, including provisional certification in family life education. During her free-time, Ms. Jones-Yates supports the Second Baptist Church.

In five years, Ms. Jones-Yates intends to complete her master’s degree and help her grandson develop before entering school.