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MMI HONORS AWARDEES AT ANNUAL MEETING
Posted: January, 12th 2009
MMI’s Board of Directors established three awards to recognize the people who receive services at MMI. The Achievement Award for Case Management Services, the Youth Services Achievement Award, and the McCollom-McFarlane Achievement Awards all recognize the accomplishments of an individual participating in MMI’s programs.
Case Management Achievement Award: Gayle Straight
Gayle began working with Michigan Works! this past June. She came without a high school diploma, having no transportation and a total of only five months work history. She was assigned to MMI’s newly established Learning Lab and was the Learning Labs very first student to attain her GED. Gayle was also assigned to Intensive Job Readiness (IJR) through the MMI Isabella County office, where she worked with the clerical department. While there, she impressed the staff so much that after her IJR was completed, she was subsequently hired by MMI directly.
Gayle has been a fine example of the benefits the JET program has to offer it’s customers as well as an example to her peers of what hope and determination can accomplish.
Youth Services Achievement Award: Jessica Reilly
Jessica became a part of MMI’s youth services program in the spring of 2007. Jessica has overcome much adversity, loneliness, and pain over the past year but is on the road to success anyway. She is truly an amazing person. Jessica presently attends Tawas High School where she is a senior. She is also dual enrolled at Alpena Community College. Jessica has earned her CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) certificate through the Iosco Tech Health Occupations Program. She was also chosen as this year’s Health Occupations President for the Tech Center. In the spring of 2008, Jessica completed a 100 hour work experience thru the MMI Youth Program at Tawas-St. Joseph Hospital. While there, she was chosen by the hospital as the recipient of the Beacon Award for demonstrating positive work habits and good patient care. After completing her work experience, Jessica began applying at local nursing homes and accepted a position with Tawas Village Senior Care. This past summer, she began her work there and presently is working part time after school. Her future plans are to attend college and acquire her degree in nursing with the goal of being a RN. Jessica doesn’t use her turbulent past as an excuse to not accomplish something with her life; but rather works even harder, which has placed her on the road to success.
The McCollom-McFarlane award, named after two of MMI’s past Board members, was first awarded in 1994. A person from MMI’s traditional services is selected as winners for each primary location. Then based on a vote of the persons receiving services the McCollom-McFarlane overall winner is named.
Lisa Embrey – Clare County: Lisa began with MMI in July of 2002 and started participating in Community Connection activities. From the beginning, her enthusiasm and natural leadership abilities provided her the opportunity to lead aerobics and dance classes. In January of 2003, Lisa left Community Connections to pursue work on the night janitorial crew. She worked daily with her crew until April of 2007 when the crew was downsized. At this time, Lisa decided to return to Community Connections for two hours a day and continued to work reduced hours with the night janitorial crew. While Lisa likes to have fun and is very skilled at spreading good cheer, she also takes her work responsibilities very seriously. Lisa works independently and takes great pride in her work assuring that the MMI building is cleaned and ready for the next business day.
Anthony Raphael -Gratiot/Montcalm County: Anthony first started receiving services through MMI’s Summer Youth Program in the year 2000. He then went on to complete high school and the Community Based Education Program where he was employed in a store. In January of 2007, he returned to MMI and was placed on a crew. Anthony is a dependable worker and gets the job done. Anthony understands the meaning of team work! He gets along well with both his co-workers and staff. In addition, he continually demonstrates independence and has learned several new skills. He also is involved with the Summer Olympics and is active in sports. Anthony takes great pride in his job and his independence. His family is also very supportive of his desire to be as independent as possible. In fact, he currently lives with his mother in a home that he owns. Anthony is responsible, caring, giving, trustworthy, and respects others. He is always willing to lend a hand and assist where and when needed. His exceptional self motivation makes him a great example of what we can accomplish when we set our minds to it.
Nicholas Moser – Isabella County & Overall Winner: Nick started working with MMI in 1996 as part of a school to work transition service. When he first came to MMI, he had very little work history and did not understand what work ethics were and the responsibilities required to obtain and keep a job. He began to work in MMI’s Transitional Employment service where he quickly progressed to working in Community Employment for the next few years. It was then that Nick felt he was ready to get an independent job. With the support of MMI, Central Michigan Community Mental Health, and Michigan Rehabilitation Services, Nick was able to get a job working in the kitchen at the Mt. Pleasant Country Club. Nick kept this job for a couple of years until he chose to come back to MMI. Once again, Nick decided to seek independent employment in the community. He was hired by Taco Bell to do various tasks as a lobby attendant. Nick really excelled at this job and always received praise for his hard work, including being named as the employee of the month. Unfortunately, he was laid off. Independently, Nick returned to Taco Bell and asked his old supervisor if it would be possible for him to be hired back. In April of 2008, due to his own persistence, Nick was rehired by Taco Bell for his old job position with the same number of hours. He continues to work there to this day. He has developed a strong work ethic and is a very reliable, dependable employee who has learned to advocate for himself in a positive way.
To find out more about MMI and it programs call 888.773.7MMI or e-mail at: mail@mmionline.com
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