LANSING & FLINT, MI – Peckham has been awarded a $2 million grant from the United States Department of Labor. The grant will be awarded over the next 42 months to continue the Growth Opportunities (GO) Program. The GO Program prepares corrections-involved youth and young adults for employment while also mitigating violence in the high-poverty, high-crime communities of Lansing and Flint, MI.
Since launching last year, more than 140 individuals have been served, with less than a 5% recidivism rate. The program is designed to help participants identify career interests and match them with educational opportunities, training, credential attainment, and paid work experiences. The program includes a leadership development curriculum that pairs participants with mentors for the purpose of gaining skills to set participants on a path to obtaining meaningful living-wage jobs.
“Over the past year, the GO Program has been a beacon of hope for young people impacted by gun violence and trauma,” said James Caleb Adams, Chief of Human Services. “Traditional programs often stop at 18, leaving a critical gap. The GO Program bridges that gap, helping youth build skills, set goals, and create a future they deserve.”
“We’re grateful to receive this grant again, allowing us to continue this life-changing work,” said Adams. “Seeing participants discover their potential and build strong relationships has been incredibly rewarding, and we look forward to another year of impact.”
Lansing partners include Michigan Department of Corrections Region 7, Lansing Police Department, Ingham County Sheriff’s Office, Ingham County 30th District Court, Family Division, and The Turning Point of Lansing.
Flint partners include Michigan Department of Corrections Region 6, Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, Genesee County 7th District Court, Juvenile Division and Without Walls Outreach.
Peckham is a nonprofit vocational rehabilitation organization that provides paid job training opportunities for people with disabilities and other barriers to employment. For 48 years, Peckham has provided jobs and job skills training to thousands of individuals with barriers through five different business lines throughout Michigan, with additional operations in Phoenix, Arizona and London, Kentucky.
Peckham, Inc., has been named a Great Place to Work for ten consecutive years. This national award-winning organization is recognized for its achievement in providing exceptional vocational rehabilitation, creating inclusive cultures, and building quality workplaces for employees.
