Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth Awards
$80,600 in Grants to Community Connections of Southwest Michigan

December 13, 2007 - The Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth (DLEG) today announced the awarding of $80,600 in grants to Community Connections of Southwest Michigan to serve people with disabilities in Berrien and Cass counties.  

A grant of $35,100 will assist customers in developing mentoring and leadership skills.  A second grant in the amount of $45,500 will assist customers in developing micro-enterprise employment opportunities.     

Michigan's economy" said Governor Jennifer M. Granholm.  "This grant helps those with disabilities work towards fully integrating into our 21^st century workforce."

The grants are comprised of federal and state funds. The federal portion is funded under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. The grants are issued by a bureau of DLEG, Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS), which collaborates with agencies such as Community Connections of Southwest Michigan in a mutual goal of assisting Michigan residents with disabilities into 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.