Newcomer Feels Blessed by a Small Town and the Support of Michigan Works!

When Laurie moved to Onaway from Texas, she came with only the necessities - she was completely starting over. She came to Michigan Works! for job search assistance and Career Navigator Jenny helped Laurie update her resume. She quickly landed a job at the local grocery store. When Laurie’s car broke down, Michigan Works! was able to help again, thanks to the Barrier Removal Employment Success (BRES) program, repairing her car so she could keep working.

A few months later, Laurie came back to Michigan Works! once again, hoping for assistance in finding employment in the medical field, where she had prior training. Jenny helped her hone her resume and apply for a job with Thunder Bay Community Health Services, where she would receive on-the-job training to get her Medical Assistant Certificate. After two interviews, Laurie was accepted into an apprenticeship program to become a Medical Assistant, and in April 2025 she passed her certification exam.

Laurie is excited to now be a Certified Medical Assistant and is very thankful for all the assistance she received on her journey, from Michigan Works! and from Thunder Bay Community Health Services.

Laurie shares, “I’ve been truly blessed by tis little town and by so many people in Onaway and at Michigan Works! I am forever grateful!”

Through this experience, Laurie learned that persistence and hard work pays off. Although Laurie was initially shy, she overcame her fears with encouragement and support from the staff at Michigan Works! With her new certification, Laurie has secured a job that she loves, and one that will provide well for her and her dog Spuddy.