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SC4’s Jessica Brown Honored As A Notable Leader In Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion By Crain’s Detroit Business

In a remarkable achievement, Jessica Brown, Chief Diversity Officer at St. Clair County Community College (SC4), located in Port Huron, has been named a 2023 Notable Leader in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) by Crain’s Detroit Business. 

This recognition acknowledges Brown’s exceptional leadership in SC4’s DEI Office, recruitment efforts, the TRIO program, the Strive Mentorship initiative, Women in Sports panel discussions, and her contributions to the adaptive wheelchair basketball team. 

Brown’s dedication to fostering inclusivity and promoting diversity has left a lasting impact on the college community. The prestigious accolade from Crain’s Detroit Business highlights Brown’s significant role in advancing DEI initiatives at SC4.

For more details, visit: crainsdetroit.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Learn A New Skill As Michigan Celebrates National Apprenticeship Week

In recognition of National Apprenticeship Week, Michigan takes pride in its status as a leader in Registered Apprenticeship programs. These programs provide participants with paid work experience, relevant classroom instruction, and a nationally recognized credential from the United States Department of Labor (USDOL). 

Michigan, ranking among the nation’s top states for such initiatives, is committed to broadening access to Registered Apprenticeships, particularly for underrepresented populations, including individuals with disabilities.Registered Apprentices not only earn a paycheck from day one but also benefit from hands-on training in high-wage, high-skill career pathways under the guidance of experienced mentors. 

The state encourages all interested individuals to explore the opportunities and resources available, emphasizing inclusivity in apprenticeship programs. Learn more about Registered Apprenticeships and how to kickstart your journey at Michigan.gov/Apprenticeship.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Blood Drive At Lake Huron Medical Center Encourages Community Participation In Life-Saving Donations

Lake Huron Medical Center is set to host a blood drive in their auditorium on Thursday, November 16th, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event aims to bolster blood donations, emphasizing the ease and significance of this simple act.

With the event coordinated in partnership with the Red Cross, individuals can schedule appointments through RedCrossBlood.org using the sponsor code: LAKEHURONMEDICALCENTER or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Moreover, attendees can streamline their donation process by utilizing RapidPass® to complete pre-donation reading and health history online before their appointment.

The drive seeks to encourage community members to participate, highlighting the life-saving impact of blood donations. The organizers hope to garner lots of support from the public, emphasizing the ease and vital importance of donating blood to save lives within the community and beyond.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

New Century Art Gallery Awarded $25,000 In Backing Small Businesses Enhancement Grant Program

Main Street America and American Express revealed the recipients of the Backing Small Businesses Enhancement Grant Program on Wednesday, November 1st, with New Century Art Gallery in Marine City emerging as one of the winners. 

The $25,000 grant aims to bolster small businesses, and Jeanne Burris Johnson, expressing gratitude, outlined plans to expand classes, community programs, and collaborations in the St. Clair County area.

Twenty-five small business owners nationwide, including New Century Art Gallery, were awarded these grants, totaling $625,000. With this announcement, the program’s contributions in 2023 reach over $2.3 million, supporting 680 small businesses. 

Launched in 2021 to aid post-pandemic recovery, the Backing Small Businesses Enhancement Grant Program exemplifies American Express’ commitment to empowering independent business owners through various initiatives, including the Coalition to Back Black Businesses and Backing Historic Small Restaurants.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Department Of Health And Human Services Expands Vehicle Purchase Assistance Program To $4000

In a bid to enhance accessibility for residents in need, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has raised the ceiling for its Direct Supportive Services (DSS) for Vehicle Purchase Assistance to $4,000. 

The updated criteria outline the eligibility requirements for individuals seeking financial aid for a vehicle, emphasizing the importance of prior approval from MDHHS, limited to one vehicle purchase per lifetime. Applicants must be recipients of specific MDHHS benefits, possess a valid Michigan driver’s license, and demonstrate the necessity for private transportation due to a lack of reliable public options.

This expansion aims to empower individuals to secure reliable transportation, particularly those engaged in employment or self-employment, reinforcing the state’s commitment to fostering self-sufficiency among its residents. 

For more information, contact your local DHS specialist.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Community Unites To Grant Terminally Ill Child One Last Christmas Wish

The Tires and Treads Community Project is rallying local support to fulfill the heartfelt Christmas wish of Leo, a terminally ill 8-year-old boy. Leo’s mother, with the hope of giving her son one more Christmas, is seeking assistance from kind-hearted individuals willing to provide gifts for Leo and his three siblings, aged 15, 3, and 2.

The project organizer, Fran Morris, is urging the community to come together and help make this Christmas celebration a reality for Leo and his family. Gifts can be donated in person by contacting the organizer for pickup, or they can be sent via Amazon to the Tires and Treads Community Project at 7114 Imlay City Rd. Clyde, MI 48049. 

As the community unites to bring joy to Leo and his family during a challenging time, the spirit of giving shines brightly, showing the power of compassion and support.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell