Michigan Rehabilitation Services honors businesses and Michiganders with disabilities during 16th annual Champion Awards ceremony

LANSING, Mich. — Fourteen Michiganders with disabilities and three businesses were recognized during the 16th annual Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) Champion Awards ceremony for making an outstanding commitment to the state's public vocational rehabilitation system.

The event was held Thursday at the Anderson House Building in Lansing as part of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, an annual observance that encourages employers to hire qualified individuals with disabilities.

MRS, housed within the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO), collaborated with the Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services to recognize high-achieving MRS customers and employers that value the contributions of individuals with disabilities.

“Our path towards greater workplace diversity and inclusion starts with businesses that see the benefits of working with individuals with disabilities,” said LEO Director Susan Corbin. “We work hard to grow our state’s workforce, increase household incomes and reduce poverty to help Michiganders pursue high-wage, high-demand jobs. This includes the relentless efforts by Michigan Rehabilitation Services to ensure the individuals and businesses they serve enjoy success here in Michigan.”

MRS assists persons with disabilities to find competitive employment and achieve self-sufficiency. In fiscal year 2023, MRS served more than 30,000 individuals with disabilities and provided support to more than 6,800 Michigan businesses.

“These award recipients understand the important role vocational rehabilitation plays in helping Michigan residents, businesses and communities reach their full potential,” said Stephanie Beckhorn, Director of LEO’s Office of Employment and Training. “In serving both businesses and individuals with disabilities, MRS creates innovative solutions and helps ensure all Michiganders have access to competitive employment opportunities.”

MRS staff from around the state nominated champion candidates within three categories. The awards went to the following recipients.

Customers who are motivated and committed to finding and keeping jobs:

• Vikram Durci – Howell
• Brandon Cooks – Detroit
• Philip Macheca – Grand Blanc
• Shawn Wolfe – Grand Rapids
• Kaylee Norris – Lansing
• Jenna Gargala – St. Clair Shores
• Lena Philemon – Walker
• Gavin Czarnecki – Middleville
• Brandon Hillaker – Saginaw
• Glenda Mason – Wolverine
• Bobbie Jo Franson – Troy
• Aria Kennon – Mattawan
• Sallah Mohamed – Flat Rock
• Michael Witowski – Ludington

Business partners that are working in innovative ways with MRS and its customers:

• eFulfillment Service, Inc – Traverse City
• Kuehne + Nagel – Detroit
• Mersen – Bay City

“We are proud to celebrate the accomplishments of these individuals and businesses,” said MRS Director Sigrid Adams. “Their dedication to overcoming barriers and continuing to work with their counselors is helping build a more equitable and diverse workforce that benefits Michigan workers, families and businesses.”

“We pride ourselves on promoting an inclusive workplace, where all our team members feel valued,” said Merry Hawley, HR Manager with eFullfillment Service, Inc. “We have worked with MRS for 15 years and have hired numerous individuals through their program. We have found excellent team members through MRS; team members who have great attendance, an excellent attitude, and who truly take pride in doing excellent work.”

“Obstacles are not set into place to defeat us, or to cause us to give up on our goals and dreams,” said Brandon Hillaker, the Saginaw District 2024 Champion Award winner. “Obstacles are set into our lives to overcome and to learn valuable lessons through the journey. There’s a plethora of services out there to overcome our obstacles; to give us the tools we need and the skills we need to overcome them. Michigan Rehabilitation Services is one of these services.”

For more information about Michigan Rehabilitation Services, visit Michigan.gov/MRS.

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