WEEL             Page 5

WEEL             Page 5

    There is a new squeaky WEEL (member) in town.  Cheryl Ek just joined the staff as our new
Missoula Organizer!  Cheryl is a single mother of two, and worked for J.E.D.I. Women in Utah and Fair Budget in Seattle.  As a former welfare
recipient, she has first-hand experience with many of the problems our members are going through.  She's had extensive experience acting as an
advocate, and can help members conduct research and build a strong case when applying for a Fair Hearing.  She will be working with the newly forming University of Montana WEEL Campus Chapter and the Missoula membership.
     If you're having a problem with a caseworker or feel you've been unfairly sanctioned call Cheryl in Missoula office at 543-2530, or 1-800-543-2530.

     The Helena Chapter of WEEL has had an
exciting two months!  November was filled with members and staff finishing up surveys to record the current condition of Montana families after Welfare Reform.  We also sent Board Member, Rebecca Moog and organizer, Wendy Young to the 'National Welfare Summit II -Monitoring Project' hosted by the Children's Defense Fund, which was held in Dallas, Texas.  WEEL made a great
impression, especially since we were the ONLY group to bring a current welfare recipient to
participate in the conference! 
For December, members came out and helped prepare for the December 10th rally by making tee-shirts for the 'story line', knocking on doors and writing speeches.  WEEL
representative for the statewide FAIM Advisory Council, Becky Moog, also had the opportunity to bring our concerns to that board.  Her speech
explaining the realities faced by welfare
recipients was presented.  This was an eye-opening experience for Rep. Ewer-Helena (D) , who was so moved that  he agreed to address the issue of ending sanctions within the council.