With four years of experience, Pauline Wiggins, a Direct Care Worker (DCW) of Muskegon County, recently stepped into a new role as an MSU IMPART Alliance trainer after enrolling in her first training course in late 2023. A champion of person-centered care, Pauline sees her work as a tool, helping people live fully. “I tend […]
When Lori Sutton’s son, Jeremy, was just 14, his world was shaped by the challenges of autism and severe disabilities. With few options available and a fierce love driving her forward, Lori made a bold decision: she helped Jeremy move into his own home on Vail Street in Midland — and soon after, she ended […]
In direct care, support often transitions into friendship. For Direct Care Worker Dallas Reim and Mike Hitchcock, this happened quickly, yet quite naturally. “They kind of almost become like a part of your family,” Mike shared, reflecting on nearly two decades of receiving support and services and forming meaningful connections with direct care workers. […]
Dan and Jennifer Digmann’s love story is one of resilience, devotion, and the power of direct care. Their journey together is deeply intertwined with their experiences living with multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic disease that affects the central nervous system. Dan was diagnosed with MS on Valentine’s Day in 2000. Initially, he managed the relapsing-remitting […]
The Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan (AAAWM) recently unveiled its new community training lab, marking a significant step in addressing the growing challenges faced by direct care workforce across the state. Located in Grand Rapids, the center is dedicated to equipping caregivers with essential skills and support, addressing Michigan’s critical shortage of direct care […]
Like many neuro rehabilitation programs, in recent years the combination of the impact of the COVID -19 pandemic, funding changes, and staffing challenges presented many obstacles for Michigan-based Hope Network Neuro Rehabilitation.Despite those obstacles, providing excellent education and training to support staff recruitment
We are thrilled to support your advocacy to help build a stronger Direct Care Workforce in Michigan and to announce our awardees. Read more for our complete list of all awardees.
Providing solutions for the shortage of direct care workers is a work in process. But an exciting new option exists that leverages technology so that some Direct Care Worker /Direct Support Professional (DCW/DSP) tasks can be performed remotely, making it possible for the individuals they support to have increased access to services. Lunden Home in Kentwood […]
As one of the few post-acute brain injury programs in West Michigan, Hope Network Neuro Rehabilitation has received referrals for cases it cannot currently support. However, with additional staff training and equipment, the program could expand its offerings. Hope Network Neuro Rehabilitation is a community-based brain injury rehabilitation provider serving the Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, and […]
