Macomb/St. Clair Talent Development Successes Honored by State Leaders, Workforce Experts

LANSING, MI (March 31, 2021)— Macomb and St. Clair Counties talent development and employment successes were among those celebrated by state leaders at the Michigan Works! Association Impact Awards this week. 

Local lawmakers and statewide talent development officials gathered virtually on Wednesday, March 31 to recognize Macomb County resident Ray Lane and Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works!.  

Following job loss due to addiction and substance abuse, Ray Lane spent time in a residential treatment center.  It was here that he connected with a peer coach who supported him on an individual recovery plan that included returning to the workforce. 

One of the first steps in the plan was enrollment in the Peer Employment Opportunity Program (PSEOP), a U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) grant-funded project administered by the Macomb/St. Clair Workforce Development Board.  The PSEOP is designed to assist individuals in Macomb County with a history of opiod use that impacts their ability to gain employment or keep a job.  Locally, it is offered in partnership with CARE of Southeastern Michigan, Macomb County Community Corrections, and Macomb County Circuit Court- Drug Court.   Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works! staff provided Ray with job placement assistance and case management that resulted in an On-the-Job Training (OJT) position with a reaction injection molding company. 

Hired as a material handler, Ray successfully completed 480 hours of training funded with the PSEOP grant.  He has retained employment with the company since June 2020 and has received an 8.5 percent pay increase.  The human resources manager for his employer said Ray is a great addition to their team and due to his strong work ethic and work history has surpassed their expectations as a team member. 

“Substance use is no longer a part of my life,” said Lane.  “Michigan Works! helped me to return to work and get on a good path that contributed to my sobriety structure in life.”   

Lane’s progress has been supported with weekly meetings with his Peer Coach, Emily Kinzy, from CARE of Southeastern Michigan. 

“Ray kept showing up for himself, putting his recovery first,” Kinzy said.  “He is determined and wants to do well.  Working with both Michigan Works! and regularly with his recovery coach, showed that he was dedicated to success.” 

The Impact Awards hosted by Michigan Works! Association, recognize the economic development success being achieved in communities across Michigan. During the event, local lawmakers present tributes to dozens of honorees from across the state.   

“I commend Ray for his strength and devotion to overcoming some of the toughest barriers in existence,” said state Rep. Doug Wozniak (R-Shelby Township). “It is so great to see that the Peer Supported Employment Opportunity Program is working so well and helping individuals like Ray successfully recover from substance abuse and return to the workforce.”  

Award winners included employers, workers, Michigan Works! organizations, and partners. 

The Michigan Works! Association is a non-profit membership organization that provides services and support to Michigan’s talent eco-system. For over 30 years, the Association has been the go-to resource for federal, state and local workforce initiatives.  

The Association’s work ensures top-quality services and support for Michigan’s talent pipeline. For more information, please visit michiganworks.org.  

Find the nearest Michigan Works! American Job Center by visiting https://www.michiganworks.org/michigan-works-network or by calling (1-800) 285-WORKS (9675). 

 

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