Michigan Works! West Central has relocated to the recently remodeled Oceana Community Education Center in Hart. West Shore Community College transformed the former Gale’s IGA into a community-focused facility that brings education, workforce development and support services together under one roof.

A ribbon-cutting for the new center was held Friday, Nov. 6. More than 100 community members, project partners and honored guests attended the event to officially open the space to the public.

“This new building is exciting for the community because it’s a one-stop shop where folks can get the resources and services they need to succeed,” said Shelly Keene, Michigan Works! West Central CEO. “This is a warm, welcoming space where people can get help with job searching, receive training, advance their education and more. Ideally, any service that you need in Oceana County, you can stop in here and get what you need.”

The goal of the center is to make it easier for Oceana County residents to access the resources they need to improve their lives and careers. The facility brings together a variety of organizations and services, including workforce development, higher education, food-access programs, community action services, educational support and a local coffee shop.

The center is owned by West Shore Community College, and houses the Lakeshore Food Club, the Michigan Dyslexia Institute, Mid-Michigan Community Action Agency and Stella's Coffee House.

The facility also offers office space, meeting rooms, a computer classroom and conference areas that can support learning, professional development, GED testing, employer-led training initiatives and more. WSCC also will hold classes in the new center.

“Success in workforce development depends on partnerships, and this new center demonstrates what can be accomplished when organizations unite around a shared vision for economic growth and community prosperity,” Keene said. “We’re excited to welcome everyone into this new space designed to make it easier to connect with workforce services, education, training and community resources.”

The center is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and is located at 710 S. State St. in Hart. For more information about how Michigan Works! West Central’s programs and services can benefit you, stop by the new center or call (231) 259-2000.