LANSING, MI (March 31, 2021)— West Michigan 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 Twin Lake resident Hunter Daniels, as well as Sanctuary at the McAuley – a division of Trinity Health/Mercy Health, and West Michigan Works! for aiding frontline workers with the training needed to be successful in a high-demand career field.
Less than two years ago, Hunter Daniels was unemployed with no direction or plan for the future. Today, Daniels is a driven, energetic and determined young man, thirsty for personal growth.
Daniels’ life direction changed when his family sent him to West Michigan Works!. During this time, Daniels received supportive services to resolve transportation issues and worked with his career coach on employability skills.
After receiving crucial services from West Michigan Works!, it didn’t take long to gain confidence and find employment in the produce department at Meijer. During this time, Daniels participated in Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) workshops, talent tours, community service projects and continued to meet with his career coach. He took advantage of ever leadership development opportunity made available to him.
After he received a training scholarship to attend Muskegon Community College, Daniels earned his CNA certificate with the support of a West Michigan Works! ITA Scholarship. His hard work and dedication did not go unnoticed as Daniels was named valedictorian of his CNA class.
Daniels obtained employment with a local health system, Sanctuary at McAuley, a leading advocate of faith-based, people-centered health care. This not only helped Sanctuary at McAuley fill a critical need for CNAs, but the employment, training and leadership skills that Daniels gained have had a tremendous impact on his life.
Daniels is considered a true frontline hero. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Daniels continued his employment at both Meijer and Sanctuary at McAuley. Because of his service, Daniels is a proud recipient of a Futures for Frontliners Scholarship, a step he hopes will help him fulfill his dream of obtaining his Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.
“The West Michigan Works! JMG program has made an enormous difference for me, because if it wasn’t for JMG, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” said Daniels. “I am employed with two jobs, am a certified CNA, and I am becoming self-sufficient and career bound. I am confident in myself and my future because of JMG. I was a kid with a dream, now I am a kid with a plan!”
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.
“The partnership West Michigan Works! has with its community partners is key to assisting residents achieve their career goals,” said state Sen. Jon Bumstead (R-Newaygo). “No barrier is insurmountable for West Michigan Works!. The dedication West Michigan Works! has for helping our residents overcome significant barriers makes them a huge asset to our community.”
Award winners included employers, workers, Michigan Works! organizations, and partners from across the state.
“Certified Nursing Assistants are in high demand across our state,” said state Rep. Terry Sabo (D-Laketon Township). “The CNA program offered through Muskegon Community College coupled with the ITA Scholarship offered by West Michigan Works! not only helps get individuals working quickly, but also puts them on a path to a career opportunity in health care. Congratulations to everyone receiving this prestigious award today!”
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.
“Congratulations to Hunter on winning this prestigious award,” said state Rep. Greg VanWoerkom. “Hunter’s dedication and pursuit of a career to create a better life for him and others is an inspiring story. He used the resources available to him through West Michigan Works! And now has a rewarding careering in front of him.”
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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