Workforce development agency recognizes leaders for contributions to community

People

Jan 7

West Michigan Works! honored University of Michigan Health-West, United Way of Montcalm-Ionia Counties, Hackley Community Care, and Shelondrea Johnson for their exceptional contributions to workforce development during its 2024 annual board meeting in December at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.

University of Michigan Health-West prioritizes employee retention and career growth by fostering a supportive workplace culture with mentoring programs, education assistance, and structured apprenticeships. Their initiatives, such as the Medical Assistant and Surgical Technologist Apprenticeships and the JobSync career pathway program, provide hands-on training and clear advancement opportunities. In 2024, they secured $172,000 through the Going Pro Talent Fund for specialized employee training, continuing their strong commitment to workforce development after receiving $149,000 in 2023. UM Health-West also engages in youth career exploration through events like MiCareerQuest and promotes equitable recruitment practices, including participation in the HireReach initiative and implicit bias training. Their partnerships with institutions like Grand Rapids Community College offer scholarships, mentoring, and career pathways, further demonstrating their dedication to building a diverse, skilled, and inclusive healthcare workforce.

“At UM Health-West, we are passionate about providing the best total healthcare experience for our patients, staff, and communities,” said Ronald Grifka, MD, President, the University of Michigan Health-West. “This recognition as Employer of the Year reflects the collective efforts of our entire team and our ongoing mission to create a culture where employees and patients feel valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.”

A long-standing partner of West Michigan Works!, United Way of Montcalm-Ionia Counties has made a profound impact on local job seekers through initiatives like food drives for local pantries and investments in emergency food and shelter services, providing essential items such as steel-toed boots, dress shoes, and winter coats for those not enrolled in supportive programs. They collaborate with West Michigan Works! as a community service site for the PATH program, helping participants prepare for employment, and actively engage in the Ascend Youth Collaborative and MiCareerQuest, fostering career exploration for local youth. Beyond direct support, they offer free leadership development training on topics like active shooter preparedness, poverty simulations, diversity, equity, inclusion, and foundational leadership skills. On a broader scale, they advocate at the state and federal levels for critical issues such as childcare support, affordable workforce housing, Earned Income Tax Credits, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

“We are so grateful and humbled by this honor and recognition,” said Terri Legg, President & CEO, United Way of Montcalm-Ionia Counties. “In our rural communities, there is only one of any type of service agency able to help any given situation. This means we have to look outside of the box to solve issues and serve unmet needs. With a lack of housing and a third of our children reporting that they are couch surfing, we must be willing to take risks to figure out how to keep people working to provide for their families. It takes brave and bold leaders to make this happen and that is what we are doing together.”

Since 2021, Hackley Community Care has partnered with West Michigan Works! through the Retention Solutions Network to provide personalized support for its employees, exemplified by the inspiring journey of Shelondrea Johnson. A single mother who has faced profound personal challenges, including housing instability, the loss of a child with cerebral palsy, and the recent passing of her mother, Shelondrea remained committed to her career and family. With guidance from success coach Cara Achterhof, Shelondrea renewed her Medical Assistant Certification through financial support for renewal fees, membership with the American Medical Technologists, and assistance completing continuing education units. Cara also connected Shelondrea with financial resources for auto insurance, ensuring reliable transportation, and support for school supplies and teen mentorship services. Together, they developed a financial plan that empowered Shelondrea to achieve greater stability for her family. Shelondrea’s resilience and Hackley Community Care’s commitment to employee well-being underscore the impact of collaborative workforce support initiatives.

“Hackley Community Care’s partnership with the Retention Solutions Network is a powerful example of how collaboration can address workforce challenges while empowering employees to overcome barriers,” said Angie Barksdale, Chief Operating Officer, West Michigan Works!. “Through this partnership, we’ve been able to provide Shelondrea and many others with the tools and resources they need to thrive personally and professionally, ultimately improving the quality of care delivered to the community.”