Real people achieving real dreams and goals—that’s at the heart of MMI. This page celebrates the people we serve, honoring their accomplishments and sharing the stories, milestones, and everyday moments that matter to them. Each story reflects our mission: To support our communities to include people with diverse needs by creating meaningful connections through employment, training, and inclusive opportunities.
This is Success *
This is Success *
-
This is Loretta's story!
Loretta is making a difference at the Baby Pantry! Through her volunteer work organizing baby items, she helps local families find the resources they need.
Her care, teamwork, and willingness to take on new tasks make her a valued member of the volunteer team. We appreciate the positive energy she brings each day she volunteers!
Thank you, Loretta, for sharing your time and talents with your community. Join us in celebrating her contributions with a word of thanks in the comments!
-

This is John's story!
Join us in recognizing John for the outstanding work he continues to do at 8-CAP.
John is a dependable and dedicated team member who takes pride in delivering quality work every day. His commitment to meeting expectations, maintaining excellent attendance, and supporting his coworkers contributes to a positive and productive workplace.
What truly stands out is John's willingness to help others. He is always ready to lend a hand and share his knowledge as a supportive teammate. His positive approach and strong work ethic make a meaningful difference to those around him.
We are proud to celebrate John's accomplishments and the valuable contributions he makes to the 8-CAP team.
Congratulations, John, and thank you for all you do! -

This is Sam's story!
Sam has been working toward his employment goals and is ready for his next step!
With support from his coaches, Sam has completed job applications, created a résumé highlighting his skills and strengths, practiced speaking with potential employers, and put together his interview outfit.
Now, that preparation has led to an exciting opportunity—Sam has been invited to a job interview at Dollar General!
We’re excited to celebrate this milestone with Sam and wish him the best as he moves forward in his employment journey.
Way to go, Sam!
-

This is Harley's story!
This summer, Harley Patton participated in the MRS and MMI Summer Employment Program at Brower Park, gaining hands-on work experience while helping maintain the park facilities and grounds.
Throughout the eight-week program, Harley was a dependable and positive member of the team. She worked alongside peers, mentors, and park staff while strengthening her communication, teamwork, and job skills.
Harley continues to build confidence and independence as she works toward her employment goals. We’re excited to celebrate her accomplishments and the experience she gained this summer!
Great job, Harley!
-

This is Kim's Story!
Kim is a valued member of MMI's cleaning crew whose dedication, reliability, and strong work ethic make a positive impact every day. She consistently approaches her responsibilities with care and attention to detail, helping ensure that every task is completed to a high standard.
Kim's strengths shine through her teamwork and communication. She works well alongside her coworkers, contributes to a supportive environment, and is always willing to take on new responsibilities. Her dependable nature and positive attitude make her someone her team can count on, and her commitment to quality is evident in everything she does.
Kim also brings confidence and pride to her work, embracing opportunities to learn and grow while continuing to build her skills. Her willingness to contribute, collaborate, and take ownership of her responsibilities helps create a successful workplace for everyone around her.
We are grateful for Kim's contributions and proud to celebrate all that she brings to MMI. Thank you, Kim, for the difference you make each day!
-

This is Jacob's Story!
Using adaptive equipment, including an adaptive canoe and a track bike, Jacob enjoyed a day filled with adventure, exploration, and fun. He especially loved his time on the water, making the most of every moment and fully embracing the experience.
Jacob's family shared their appreciation for the opportunity, noting how much being outdoors means to him. Experiences like this highlight the impact of community partnerships in creating opportunities for people to pursue their interests, build connections, and enjoy activities they love.
Thank you to Limitless Outdoors for helping make this memorable day possible!
-

This is Jacob Q's Story!
DescripWe are excited to welcome Jacob back to our Youth Work Experience Program this summer!
Having previously participated in the program, Jacob returned with valuable experience and a strong commitment to learning and growing. Throughout the summer, he has consistently demonstrated professionalism, reliability, and a positive attitude in every task he takes on.
Jacob's impact extends beyond his daily responsibilities. He leads by example, works well with others, and contributes to a positive experience for both coworkers and customers. His dedication and willingness to help wherever needed have made him a valued member of the team.
One of the highlights of Jacob's summer came when a patron at the Pohlcat took the time to recognize his outstanding attitude and work ethic. Receiving unsolicited praise from a customer is a meaningful reflection of the impression Jacob makes on those around him and the pride he takes in his work.
Jacob's success story is a great example of how work experience opportunities help young people build skills, confidence, and professional relationships. We are proud of all he has accomplished and grateful for the positive impact he continues to make.
Please join us in congratulating Jacob on a successful summer and wishing him continued success in all his future endeavors!tion goes here
-

This is Matt's Story!
Matt continues to grow and thrive in his supported employment role. He recently expanded from a 45-minute shift to successfully completing a full 6-hour shift in a new work environment. Embracing new responsibilities, routines, and tasks, Matt has approached each opportunity with confidence and a positive attitude.
His ability to learn new duties and adapt to new experiences demonstrates his commitment to personal and professional growth. Matt’s accomplishments reflect increasing independence, dedication, and success in the workplace.
Congratulations, Matt, on this exciting milestone and all that you continue to achieve!
-
This is Holly's Story!
Holly makes a meaningful impact through her volunteer work at the Baby Pantry and Dream Works. At the Baby Pantry, she helps organize baby items so families can easily access the resources they need. At Dream Works, she brings a positive attitude and a readiness to support the team, contributing to a smooth and successful volunteer experience.
We appreciate her dedication, kindness, and strong work ethic. Her commitment truly makes a difference.
-

This is Kaylee's Story!
Kaylee has been making remarkable strides despite her challenges, as she continues to build confidence in completing tasks independently. It’s truly inspiring to observe her willingness to embrace new skills—especially in the kitchen—where she has been practicing cooking more than she ever thought possible.
Her organizational skills continue to develop with her effectively using her calendar to keep track of appointments. It’s been a significant step towards increasing her independence and self-management.
Kaylee is also making excellent use of CCTC services to navigate her community with greater confidence. It is heartwarming to see her forming new friendships and becoming more engaged in exploring her surroundings.
She’s also discovering how to utilize voice-activated apps designed to support individuals with visual impairments. These tools have the potential to be a meaningful resource in enhancing her day-to-day independence and accessibility.
-
This is Sean's Story!
Sean F. has been part of MMI two days a week since September 2025. He joined Community Connections to build a routine and meet new people, and he quickly became an active, engaged member of the group. Sean enjoys connecting with peers, sharing conversations, and contributing to the day.
At his recent planning meeting, the team agreed he was ready to explore work again. The timing was perfect—a position opened on the MMI recycling crew. With his background in landscaping engineering and previous work experience, it was a natural next step. His coach has already shared that Sean is learning the role quickly and contributing with confidence.
We’re excited to support Sean as he continues building his skills and moves toward employment in the community.
-

This is Michael's Story!
Michael has received services through MMI for several years. He has made tremendous progress and now lives independently in the community without the need for many services.
Michael recently transitioned from janitorial services to independent employment at Meijer in Greenville, where he works in customer service collecting carts and ensuring they are available for customers. He has achieved great success in his independence and employment goals and now participates only in Community Connections groups to stay connected with friends and the community.
-

This is Kasie's Story!
We’re excited to celebrate Kasie and the progress she’s making toward her employment goals. Over the past few months, she has been an active participant in her customized individual employment program, showing commitment and a readiness to learn. Her positive approach and willingness to take on new challenges have stood out to her support team.
Kasie is currently working toward her goal of becoming a cashier at a local business in Farwell. She recently completed a resume and cover letter—an important milestone she’s proud to share. With the continued support of her team, Kasie is well on her way and we’re proud to be part of her journey.
-

This is Devin's Story!
Please join us in celebrating Devin, a MI‑POWER student currently gaining hands‑on experience with MyMichigan Medical Center Alma as a housekeeper. Devin works alongside the hospital’s environmental services team, building skills that support success in a hospital setting. He has taken on increased responsibilities, including independently cleaning rooms and sharing helpful tips with team members. We’re proud of Devin’s continued growth and the positive contributions he makes each day.
-

This is Dana's Story!
Dana is building strong communication skills and showing meaningful growth through the services and supports she receives. She is actively practicing expressing herself clearly, listening to others, and taking part in positive conversations.
Alongside her communication goals, Dana stays motivated and engaged in her fitness routine. She enjoys being active and often checks in with others about their exercise, encouraging healthy habits and shared accountability.
Dana’s continued focus and effort are helping her form positive connections and make steady progress toward her goals. We’re proud to celebrate her success!
-

This is Mary's Story!
Mary continues to make a meaningful difference in our community through her volunteer work across multiple sites. She brings steady energy, reliability, and a team‑focused mindset to every project. Whether organizing donations or supporting fellow volunteers, she shows up ready to help and ready to make an impact.
We appreciate her commitment and the positive spirit she shares with everyone around her. Thank you, Mary, for all you do to strengthen our community!
-

This is Thomas' Story!
As a dedicated volunteer, he helps prepare food boxes that support families across central Michigan. His energy and teamwork help create a smooth, fast‑paced environment where volunteers feel motivated and connected.
Thomas brings others together, keeps the momentum strong, and takes pride in sharing the team’s accomplishments. His commitment shows how giving your time can strengthen community and inspire others to get involved.
We're grateful for volunteers like Thomas who help make a real difference every day.
-

This is Ainsley's Story!
We’re excited to share a wonderful milestone from Ainsley’s journey with Connections. Over time, she has shown steady growth in her social engagement—greeting classmates, joining group activities, and confidently connecting with peers in meaningful ways.
Recently, Ainsley turned 8 and chose to celebrate by inviting her classmates and friends to her birthday party. It was a joyful moment that highlighted her growing confidence and connection with others.
We’re so proud of her continued progress and look forward to supporting even more of her successes ahead!
-

This is Amanda's Story!
We’re excited to share that Amanda has been making steady, meaningful strides in her journey at MMI. Through her participation in both individual sessions and groups, she’s been connecting more with others and building supportive relationships that enrich her daily life.
Amanda meets with staff twice each week to focus on goals that matter most to her, and she continues to add new objectives that reflect her growing confidence and self‑advocacy skills. She recently moved into a new apartment, and she’s been working with her team to create a space where she can thrive.
We’re proud to support Amanda as she builds the life she wants, and we’re inspired by her ongoing dedication to her personal growth and well‑being. Keep up the great work, Amanda!
-

This is Taylor's Story!
Taylor has been an incredible part of the Dalis to the Rescue volunteer team, sharing her passion for animals and commitment to the community. She’s skilled in caring for cats and maintaining their spaces and always makes everyone—both people and pets—feel welcome. Her dedication and teamwork help create a positive experience for all. We’re grateful for the difference she makes every day!
Taylor, we’re proud to recognize the role you play in making our community stronger.”
-

This is Chrissy's Story!
Celebrating Chrissy! 👏
Chrissy decided that learning to read was important to her—and she spoke up to make it part of her goals!
With support through MMI, Chrissy has expanded her work on pronunciation to include reading. During each session, she practices words with flash cards and works on using them in sentences. Her motivation and willingness to learn are helping her make progress toward a goal she chose for herself.
Chrissy’s story celebrates the power of self-advocacy: sharing what matters to you and taking steps to make it happen.
Join us in celebrating Chrissy’s hard work and progress!

