The award was established in 1993 to recognize the contributions and achievements of public assistance recipients and former recipients who participate in the state's landmark welfare reform initiative To Strengthen Michigan Families.
Burrow is the single parent of two children.
Before the birth of her first child she applied for public assistance in March of 1993 to help make ends meet. Ready to re-enter the job market, Burrow discovered she was pregnant with her second child. She still wanted to go to Job Club and stick to her goal, but counselors explained that her employment opportunities would be limited and she was advised to wait until after the baby was born. When her baby was born she could have been deferred from participation in the Work First program until the baby was one year old. Instead of waiting, Burrow volunteered for Job Club when her baby was six months old.