Open Door to Success

Franklin came to GST Michigan Works! in Owosso on October 1st, 2025, after being recently paroled from serving almost 9 years in prison. Being out of the workforce for that long and needing a fresh start presented him with a substantial barrier. His experience before being incarcerated mainly consisted of seasonal tree work that would be impossible to find in the fall. He needed support and guidance to navigate through an apparently closed door to success. While incarcerated, however, he took the initiative to complete an associate’s degree in business management through a community college and worked in facility maintenance.

When Franklin first came to GST Michigan Works! and shared his barriers, he met with a Career Coach to determine the appropriate resources and opportunities available to him. When they met, she saw all the potential transferable skills and began helping him look for work. She told him about a Job Fair at GST Michigan Works! being held the next day, and was assisted in completing several applications, including one for Midwest Bus. The Career Coach and Business Solutions staff at GST discussed a potential On-the-Job Training (OJT) opportunity with the company. After interviewing with the HR representative, the employer was impressed by his efforts to improve and gain experience and was willing to give him an opportunity through an OJT, which began on 10/13/2025. He was assisted with work boots and required tools to get him started on the job.

His attendance and attitude carried him through the completion of the OJT, including the thirty-day retention period. He now has the ability to work overtime and earn benefits. He received a nice review from his new employer stating, “he has been an ideal new employee with perfect attendance!” All his determination and dedication to learning a new role have paid off.

Franklin is still employed with Midwest Bus and is enjoying the job more each day. He stated, “As you may know, I made some mistakes in my life. I was only home two weeks when I got hired at Midwest Bus after serving 106 months in prison. I wanted a job more than anything. This changed my life, and I am so thankful. I have learned many lessons at Midwest Bus. I learned teamwork and how to do many things that I had not known before. I am a hard worker and always push myself to be better at my job. I recently got medical and life insurance for the first time in my life on my own. I am proud of myself, and I believe God put me right where I belong. I am doing awesome and love my job. I am thriving alongside my loving wife, who has been a great support for me.”