In 2023, the PATH program, a commendable initiative in Michigan, imparted training and support to over 8,000 residents, resulting in an average annual wage increase of $2,000 compared to their counterparts.
In December of 2021, Immanual Jackson, a devoted father of twin boys and the primary breadwinner due to his wife’s inability to work, faced the challenge of balancing full-time medical studies with limited work opportunities.
Seeking assistance, Immanual and his wife turned to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), leading them to enroll in the Partnership.Accountability.Training.Hope. (PATH) program under the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO).
PATH is designed to facilitate employment, wage enhancement, and self-sufficiency by delivering work activities, job training, and employability skills. Local administration of these services is carried out through Michigan Works! Service Centers.
Immanual, with his constrained schedule, received virtual services from Michigan Works! staff, who even went the extra mile by delivering essential supplies to his doorstep during challenging times.
Apart from job training, PATH extended its support to Immanual by connecting him with community resources to address the needs of his newborns and assisting with the expenses for required medical scrubs during clinical rounds.
A substantial number of PATH participants encounter obstacles such as transportation issues, limited job search skills, insufficient funds for work attire, and childcare challenges. Completing the program empowers participants, on average, to earn $2,000 more annually than their counterparts.
Susan Corbin, LEO Director, expressed, “Michigan’s PATH initiative showcases the state’s cohesive approach to guide residents toward promising careers and equip businesses with a skilled workforce, fostering a more prosperous future.”
The collaborative effort between MDHHS and LEO enables comprehensive support for PATH participants. MDHHS addresses health and well-being needs, while LEO focuses on job readiness skills and resources to facilitate participants’ re-entry into the workforce.
MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel highlighted the synergy, stating, “While LEO concentrates on aiding PATH participants in returning to work, MDHHS can provide benefits such as food assistance and healthcare, aligning with our goal to offer easy access to essential services.”
In the fiscal year 2023, PATH delivered training and support to over 8,000 individuals in Michigan, with more than half transitioning out of public assistance programs to embark on successful new careers.
Stephanie Beckhorn, Director of LEO’s Office of Employment and Training, emphasized the program’s flexibility to cater to individual needs, ensuring participants receive tailored support and access to pertinent resources.
As a testament to the impactful collaborations within the PATH program, Immanual received financial assistance for his medical board exam. Graduating from Michigan State University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine in May 2023, he is now a resident physician of internal medicine at University of Michigan Health-West.