October 9, 2008 - The Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth (DLEG) today announced the award of $104,735 in grants to New Horizons Rehabilitation Services, Inc. in Auburn Hills to serve people with disabilities.

A grant of $21,735 will continue to assist students with disabilities in southern portions of Oakland County to make the transition from school to employment.  A second grant in the amount of $83,000 will provide soft skills assessment and instruction, WorkKeys® assessment, classroom instruction, and job development services to assist customers of the Oakland County MRS offices in obtaining competitive employment, and to provide Michigan employers with employees who have the skills for successful long-term employment.

"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 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 Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS), a bureau of DLEG that collaborates with agencies such as New Horizons Rehabilitation Services 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.

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