There are moments that remind us why this work matters, and receiving a $5,000 grant from the DTE Foundation is absolutely one of them.
We are so grateful to share that the DTE Foundation has once again stepped up as a champion for our community, providing powerful support for our vocational training and employment services. This investment goes directly toward the heart of what we do: meeting our members exactly where they are and walking alongside them as they build the skills, confidence, and connections needed to thrive in the workforce.
What This Grant Makes Possible
Our vocational training and employment programs are built around one guiding belief: that every person deserves a career path that fits them. Through customized skill-building, job readiness preparation, and hands-on placement support, we work alongside each member to identify their strengths and help them reach their goals at their own pace.
But programs like these don’t run on good intentions alone. They run on the dedication of the people behind them.
The Real Secret to Our Success
If you ask us what makes our employment services truly work, the answer is simple: our direct care job coaches and staff. These incredible team members show up every single day with patience, creativity, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every person they serve. They celebrate the wins, problem-solve the challenges, and build the kind of trusting relationships that make real progress possible.
As Founder Rachelle Vartanian shares:
“We are incredibly grateful for the ongoing partnership of the DTE Foundation. Their recent $5,000 grant is a vital investment in our vocational training and employment services — programs designed to meet the unique needs of our members through customized skill-building, job readiness, and placement support. At the core of this work are our dedicated direct care job coaches and staff. They are truly the ‘secret’ to our success and the cornerstone of every breakthrough our members achieve. As the demand for these inclusive services grows, the DTE Foundation’s support ensures our team has the resources needed to provide the long-term retention support that makes career independence possible. Thank you for helping us build a more inclusive workforce across Michigan!”
A Partnership That Grows With Us
The need for inclusive employment services continues to grow across our region, and the DTE Foundation’s continued partnership means we can grow with it. Their support empowers us to expand capacity, retain our talented team, and provide the long-term follow-up and retention support that transforms a job placement into a lasting career.
Together, we are building something bigger than any one of us could achieve alone, a Michigan where every person has a place in the workforce and a community that believes in them.
Thank you, DTE Foundation, for seeing that vision and investing in it.
To learn more about the DTE Foundation and its commitment to empowering Michigan communities, visit www.DTEFoundation.com.
To learn more about vocational training and employment services at the Living and Learning Enrichment Center, visit us at livingandlearningcenter.org or reach out to our team directly.