A Fresh Start for a Young Family

When Jeffrey and Angelique made the courageous decision to move their young family of eight to rural Onaway, Michigan, they knew it would take faith, determination, and teamwork.

After working with Michigan Works! Career Navigator Jenny to find employment, Jeffrey, proudly celebrating six years of sobriety, landed a new job at Precision Hardwoods’ newly opened, state-of-the-art sawmill. As a Lumber Stacker, he thrives in a role that values strength, precision, and reliability — qualities sharpened throughout his recovery journey.

Adjusting to life in a new community with a large family came with challenges, especially around transportation and child care. Thankfully, Angelique’s employer, Black Lake Party Store, flexed her work schedule around Jeffrey’s shifts, allowing her to support the household income without the added stress of child care coverage.

Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium stepped in to help remove barriers by providing work clothing and footwear for both Jeffrey and Angelique, high-visibility uniforms, steel-toed boots, and PPE for Jeffrey’s sawmill job, and even a bicycle so Jeffrey could reliably commute. These supports allowed the family to focus on building stability instead of worrying about immediate needs.

“We’re grateful beyond words,” Jeffrey shared. “I love my job, the crew I work with, and now I have the clothing and equipment I need to do it confidently and safely.”

Angelique added, “I was putting my kids’ needs before my own, especially with school starting. Michigan Works! helped me get what I needed for work, which means we can budget better and feel more prepared for the future.”

With support from their community, their employers, and Michigan Works!, Jeffrey and Angelique are proving that new beginnings can grow into lasting success.