A New Pair of Shoes, A Big Step Forward

After retiring, Linda realized that Social Security alone wasn't enough to meet her financial needs. Through the AARP Foundation Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), she found meaningful part-time employment with the Alpena Housing Commission, where she enjoys staying active and serving her community.

While Linda loved her job, spending long hours on her feet had become increasingly difficult. She had been wearing a pair of well-worn Crocs that had been passed down from a family member, leaving her feet and legs sore at the end of each workday. Through the PI Community Foundation Grant, Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium was able to provide Linda with a new pair of supportive Skechers work shoes.

The impact was immediate.

Linda shared that it had been a very long time since she had owned a brand-new pair of shoes. Excited and grateful, she proudly tried them on at the Michigan Works! office, saying her feet and legs would finally have the support they needed for work. Her appreciation was evident as she happily walked—and even danced—around the Resource Room in her new shoes.

Linda's story is a reminder that sometimes a relatively small investment can make a tremendous difference. By helping remove a simple barrier to employment, Michigan Works! was able to support Linda's comfort, confidence, and continued success on the job.