Shawnna came to Michigan Works! in Grayling because she was scheduled for a mandatory second RESEA appointment. During their conversation, Michigan Works! Career Navigator Chris Southwell learned that Shawnna was technically “underemployed”, not unemployed, and that getting back and forth to work was becoming more and more difficult with her worn out tires and the winter roads. Chris suggested that the BRES program (Barrier Removal Employment Success) may be able to offer a solution.
With the help of the BRES funding, Shawnna was able to get new tires on her car so that she could continue getting to/from work safely. Shawnna expressed her gratitude to Michigan Works! and Chris for recognizing her need and finding a solution to help. While she initially called Michigan Works! because of a UIA mandated appointment, she ended up getting much needed assistance she never expected. Shawnna hopes this story will help others realize that Michigan Works! can help with so much more than the public perceives.