Local Workforce Development Successes Honored by State Leaders, Workforce Experts

Local Lawmakers Celebrate Local Talent, Career Development Efforts in Greater Flint Area

Flint, MI – Local 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, and in-person, on Thursday, March 24 to recognize local resident Carmen Rivera, Port Austin Level and Tool, Tuscola County MDHHS, and GST Michigan Works! for their dedication to providing good-paying job opportunities in the community and to helping workers succeed in their career endeavors.

Carmen Rivera and her family arrived in Michigan in spring of 2019 from Puerto Rico, on an employment opportunity, after Puerto Rico was heavily hit by Hurricane Maria. GST Michigan Works! was able to partner with a local employer and partners to provide
transportation, employment, and housing to the Riveras.

Rivera participated in English as a Second Language (ESL) classes and embraced her new community. Sadly, the following year, Rivera and her husband lost their jobs. She continued to look for employment and housing but with no steady income, they wondered how they would make it. Going back to Puerto Rico was not an option as there were fewer jobs than ever.

Ronaldo Gomez, from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), connected the family to much needed benefits and resources. Once again, they had healthcare coverage, assistance to pay for their basic needs, and support while they found new employment. It was the light at the end of the tunnel that gave them the strength and encouragement to not give up.

Rivera connected with the PATH program and GST Michigan Works! in December of 2020. Public transportation was limited, and Rivera would start walking early in the cold winter days in search of work. It wasn’t long before her dedication paid off.

Jennifer Upthegrove, from Port Austin Level and Tool, saw in Rivera the dedication she wanted in a worker and offered her a job where she started immediately. Knowing it was winter and that Rivera was walking to work, Upthegrove offered to pick her up and drive her home. Things started to really turn around for this family and their success became contagious as opportunities started pouring in. GST Michigan Works! was able to help with a car, registration, and the first few months of insurance coverage. An opening at Port Austin Level and Tool allowed Rivera’s husband to join the team and finally, there were two incomes to stabilize the family.

“I am very grateful to GST Michigan Works! and the services they provide for workers,” said Upthegrove. “Without the help Carmen received, she would have gone back to Puerto Rico and we may have had to close our doors. Carmen learned her job quickly and does excellent work. Having good workers on your team makes all the difference.”

With the help of the community, she was able to rent a house near her place of employment where she continues to live. Rivera considers Michigan her new home and will never forget how the community came together to help her family when they needed it most.

“I am very thankful, and emotional, for the support I received through GST Michigan Works! and their assistance in helping me purchase a vehicle to get to and from work,” said Rivera.

The Impact Awards hosted by the Michigan Works! Association recognizes 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.

“The past two years have brought to light new challenges and barriers for employers across the state,” said State Sen. Dan Lauwers (R-Brockway Township). “Kudos to Port Austin Level and Tool, MDHHS, and GST Michigan Works! for assisting Carmen with the variety of barriers she has faced.”

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

“Congratulations to Carmen, Port Austin Level and Tool, MDHHS, and GST Michigan Works! on winning this prestigious award,” said Rep. Phil Green (RMillington). “Success stories like this provide hope for others who may be experiencing similar circumstances.”

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).

Media Contact:
Diona McLaughlin,
810-358-1929
dmclaughlin@gstmiworks.org

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