April 01, 2025
The journey began over a decade ago when Rhonda started discussing potential programs with Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS). This collaboration led to the development of training programs specifically tailored for persons with disabilities who were customers of MRS. A curriculum was provided by the Michigan Career Technical Institute (MCTI), which is housed within MRS; however, Rhonda was able to amend it to make it more applicable, ensuring students gained useful skills for their future endeavors.
In the early stages, Rhonda operated out of a church, where the lack of dedicated facilities presented challenges. Despite the barriers caused by regular church attendees inadvertently disrupting training processes, Rhonda made the best of the situation. In spring 2016, the first group of students was officially taught and engaged with Torch 180, marking a pivotal moment for the program.
Recognizing the diverse dynamics of students, Rhonda spent considerable time working within schools to better understand their needs. This effort led to the creation of the "Sandwich Club," an initiative between MRS, Torch 180 and Howell Public Schools that introduced students to new interests and career possibilities.
By the end of 2018, Torch 180 had fully emerged as a structured initiative, leading to the launch of the first competency based culinary apprenticeship program in July 2021. This collaboration between Michigan Rehabilitation Services, Torch 180, MCTI and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity created an opening for even more training for students with disabilities.
One of the most impactful aspects of Torch 180 is the hands-on learning opportunities it provides. Students engage in practical tasks such as analyzing produce freshness, understanding recipe ingredients, mastering cleaning and bussing techniques, and more. These skills are developed through structured evaluations, consisting of two three-hour shifts per week for two to three weeks, depending on the student's needs and progress.
The Registered Apprenticeship program is particularly transformative, allowing students to gain certifications that qualify them for work in the restaurant industry. Over time, this initiative has become a well-respected program within the Fowlerville community. The path to Registered Apprenticeship involves multiple steps, requiring patience and commitment, but Rhonda has remained transparent about the realities of the process. This honesty ensures students and their families fully understand what is required and what they stand to gain.
MRS’ process for referring students follows a structured pathway. The first step for the customer is job exploration. If the customer demonstrates interest, MRS will authorize Phase One, which involves SERV Safe training. Upon successfully passing Phase One, the customer advances to Phase Two, which focuses on kitchen culinary training. Once Phase Two is completed and the customer exhibits both motivation and the necessary skill set, they may be invited to participate in the apprenticeship program.
Beyond the restaurant-focused training, there is potential for additional programs, with the expansion of new venture into retail marketing which will also include trainings such as a maker’s space for aesthetic item creation and custodial work. These expansions would provide a broader array of opportunities within the same structured system, catering to various interests and skill sets.
A key aspect of Rhonda’s work has been the continuous refinement of the curriculum to ensure its relevance. For instance, she has advocated for increased credit allocation to practical customer service training compared to less applicable subjects like recreational math. Even during informal discussions, Rhonda has demonstrated her commitment to innovation — one such example being her spontaneous idea for a "cash register class" to further enhance student training.
Rhonda’s dedication extends far beyond Torch 180. Her background includes supervisory and interpretive roles while working as a vendor for MRS during the summer months with the Department of Natural Resources, highlighting her broader commitment to helping others. Additionally, her network and reputation have contributed to significant opportunities, such as securing a grant from Lake Trust through advocacy from community leaders and lobbyists. This grant included favorable terms, such as a year of interest-only payments and after six months of retail training for students the remainder of the loan will be forgiven.
Torch 180 embodies the spirit of empowerment and transformation, not just through structured training but also through acts of kindness, such as assisting individuals with moving and relocation expenses. Rhonda’s relentless efforts have created a ripple effect, proving that when opportunities are tailored to real-life needs, they can make a profound difference in people’s lives.
