Michigan Department of Career Development

Awards Grants to Blue Water Center for Independent Living

         The Michigan Department of Career Development (MDCD) awarded a total of $375,044 in grants to the Blue Water Center for Independent Living in Port Huron to help people with disabilities live more independently and be successfully employed.

         The center is a nonprofit community organization operated by and for people with disabilities.  The funds will enable the center to maintain and expand information and supports to people with disabilities in the cities and village of Port Huron, Sandusky, Lapeer, Caro, and Bad Axe, and the counties of Huron, Lapeer, Sanilac, St. Clair, and Tuscola.

         Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS), a division of MDCD, collaborates with community organizations such as the Blue Water Center for Independent Living in a mutual goal of assisting Michigan residents with disabilities into the workforce.  MRS operates 35 offices throughout the state that provide direct job preparation and placement services for persons with disabilities.

         Independent living grants are being issued to 17 organizations across the state this fall.  The grants are provided from federal and state funds under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and under state legislation.

         For the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2001, the MRS Independent Living grant program has a total statewide budget of approximately $5 million.  It is 51 percent ($2.6 million) state funds, 31 percent ($1.6 million) federal Title I Vocational Rehabilitation funds, 10 percent ($485,000) locally donated resources, and 8 percent ($386,000) federal Title VII Independent Living funds.

         The Michigan Department of Career Development is the state government agency charged with providing the skilled workforce Michigan needs to enhance and maintain its economy.  To this end, the state’s new career and training development agency is working with employers, K-12 schools, community colleges, and local Workforce Development Boards to develop a comprehensive career development system.  For more information about the Michigan Department of Career Development, visit the Department’s Web site at www.MDCD.org or call 1-866-MY-GOALS.