Fourteen Michiganders and four businesses were recognized during the 17th annual Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) Champion Awards ceremony for making an outstanding commitment to the state's public vocational rehabilitation system. The event was held Oct. 9, at the Michigan State Capitol’s Heritage Hall in Lansing as part of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, an annual observance that encourages employers to hire qualified people with disabilities.

MRS, housed within the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO), collaborated with the Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services to recognize employers and customers.

“We are proud to celebrate the accomplishments of the individuals and businesses who were honored as Champion Award recipients,” said Stephanie Beckhorn, Director of LEO’s Office of Employment and Training. “By working with both individuals with disabilities and businesses, Michigan Rehabilitation Services supports LEO’s work to ensure all Michiganders have equal access to a great job, a livable wage and a chance to contribute to our state’s future.”

“Vocational rehabilitation plays an important role in creating opportunities and helping individuals with disabilities reach their full potential,” said Sigrid Adams, Director of Michigan Rehabilitation Services. “The work of our dedicated team at Michigan Rehabilitation Services helps to ensure more workplaces are accessible and Michiganders with disabilities have the skills to pursue competitive employment opportunities.”

MRS staff from around the state nominated champion candidates. To qualify for the MRS Champion Award, an MRS customer must have demonstrated success in their vocational rehabilitation journey. That includes those who have overcome great obstacles to complete the MRS program, exceled academically, demonstrated successful work skills development, and engaged in leadership development opportunities. It also includes those who have been active in their community and serve as an inspiration to others.

MRS Champion Awards were presented to the following individuals:

• Kathleen McLogan – Spring Arbor
• Donald Hall – Detroit
• Clayson Cook – Montrose
• Mason Morgan – Caledonia
• Matthew Crandall – Grand Ledge
• Charlene Jackson – Clinton Township
• Brylea Johnson – Lansing
• Sarah Montney – Shepard
• Timothy Decker – Ithaca
• Katlyn Risselade – Traverse City
• Jacob Modock – Lake Orion
• Thomas Stone – Decatur
• Edward Stump – Monroe
• Teresa Bower – Muskegon

To be considered for the MRS Champion Award, business partners must have promoted the advancement of individuals with disabilities and allowed individuals with disabilities an opportunity to demonstrate their skills, providing reasonable accommodation. Honored businesses must also serve as role models for employing individuals with disabilities.

MRS honored two large and two small businesses with Champion Awards:

• Family Farm and Home – Big Rapids (Small Business)
• Grand Rapids Building Services – Grand Rapids (Small Business)
• Milestone Senior Services – Kalamazoo (Large Business)
• Over the Rainbow Zootopia – Eaton Rapids (Large Business)

“One of our main missions here at GRBS is to positively impact the lives and the communities in which we serve. And by doing that, we strive to offer all of our team members honorable employment and opportunities to improve their lives with sustainable wages, opportunities for experience,” said Ben Hall, VP of Human Resources at Grand Rapids Building Services. “We want to make sure that we are impacting not just the people that we serve, but the communities in which we operate. We are honored to win the Business Champion Award. It is something that we believe really represents who we are and our commitment to our communities and to the state of Michigan as a whole.”

MRS develops customized workforce and training solutions to support Michigan businesses and help individuals with disabilities prepare for competitive employment to achieve financial independence. During 2024, MRS served 5,149 businesses and 43,173 individuals, providing training for 6,683 individuals and helping 6,369 secure employment.

For more information about Michigan Rehabilitation Services, visit Michigan.gov/MRS.