Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth Awards $342,330 to Capital Area Center for Independent Living in Lansing

October 9, 2008 - The Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth (DLEG) today announced the awarding of $342,330 in grant funds to the Capital Area Center for Independent Living in Lansing to serve people with disabilities. 

"We must invest in our citizens and their talents to meet the growing demands of Michigan's economy," said Governor Jennifer M. Granholm.  "These grants help those people with disabilities to be contributing members of our 21st century workforce."

The $342,330 in grants will help people with disabilities in Ingham, Eaton, Clinton and Shiawassee counties live more independently and gain successful employment by enabling the Capital Area Center for Independent Living to maintain and expand the information and support it provides.

As a nonprofit community organization operated by and for people with disabilities, the Capital Area Center for Independent Living is one of 15 designated centers for independent living in Michigan.  Centers for Independent Living use federal and state grant funds to provide information and assistance, independent living skills, peer support, individual advocacy, and systems advocacy for people with disabilities.

In addition, the Capital Area Center for Independent Living will use grant funds to collaborate with Michigan Rehabilitation Services in the provision of a structured series of services that assist individuals with disabilities to increase their skills for independent living and vocational preparation, leading to successful employment.

In total, more than $5 million in federal and state funds are being awarded to 17 entities throughout the state that promote independent living.  The federal portion is funded under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.  The grants are issued by Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS), a bureau of DLEG that collaborates with agencies such as the Capital Area Center for Independent Living in a mutual goal of helping Michigan residents with disabilities live more independently and enter the workforce.  MRS operates 36 offices throughout the state that provide job preparation and placement services for people with disabilities.

The Department of Labor & Economic Growth is investing in Michigan's future by helping to create the jobs of today and tomorrow, ensuring that our children and adults have the skills these jobs demand, making Michigan a better place to do business, and training and placing those who need jobs now.

For more information about DLEG, visit the department’s website at www.michigan.gov/dleg.  DLEG is an equal opportunity employer/program.

Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth
Michigan Rehabilitation Services
FY 2009 Independent Living Grants

Applicant

Amount

Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living (Ann Arbor)

$870,897

Blue Water Center for Independent Living (Port Huron)

330,206

Capital Area Center for Independent Living (Lansing)

342,330

Community Connections of Southwest Michigan (Benton Harbor)

243,556

Disability Advocates of Kent County (Grand Rapids)

273,998

Disability Connection/West Michigan (Muskegon)

280,165

disAbility Connections, Inc. (Jackson)

249,616

Disability Network/Lakeshore (Holland)

228,853

Disability Network/Michigan (Haslett)

303,936

Disability Network/Mid Michigan (Midland)

261,376

Disability Network/Northern Michigan (Traverse City)

356,054

Disability Network/Oakland & Macomb (Clinton Township)

411,602

Disability Network/Southwest Michigan (Kalamazoo)

388,932

Disability Network/Wayne County-Detroit (Detroit)

501,323

Michigan Statewide Independent Living Council (Lansing)

399,982

Superior Alliance for Independent Living (Marquette)

172,502

The Disability Network (Flint)

312,783

TOTAL

$5,928,111