A New Beginning
Gary H. was referred to Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium by Offender Success Coordinator, Todd Cook. Gary was facing significant challenges finding employment. In addition to his offender background and a 6 year employment gap, he had no transportation, nor driver’s license.
Michigan Works! Case Manager, Linda Greenway, worked with Gary and matched him to a local employer’s On-the-Job Training program. He was soon hired and began training as a lumber stacker. Along with his new position came some new requirements: steel toed boots, which Michigan Works! was able to provide for Gary.
Gary paid his fees to get his driver’s license back and purchased a vehicle as well. He is now able to drive himself to/from work, a 40 mile round trip, and Michigan Works! was able to provide some mileage assistance to help with the costs of his daily work commute.
Gary is receiving all “excellent” remarks on his OJT time report every month. His training is moving along well and he is learning to operate new machines. Gary takes pride in his work and is finding great satisfaction in leading the honest life. He works very hard and is extremely grateful for how far he has come.
“This is the good life,” says Gary. “A secure full-time job, transportation, and enough money to have the necessities in life. I’m very happy with all the services Michigan Works! has provided me and the opportunity to be a productive citizen.”