Lakestate Industries is the Upper Peninsula’s leader in skill building and supported employment for individuals with employment barriers. Currently they are undergoing their Employment First Organizational Transformation to align themselves with changes in federal regulations. These changes are part of the national Employment First Movement which prioritizes integration of services provided to adults with disabilities.
Lakestate Industries has a history of growth and innovation helping people recognize and maximize their abilities and reach their highest level of community inclusion. They serve a four-county area from their two offices in Escanaba and Marquette. Lakestate Industries has multiple departments that train and employ with job coach support. Individuals work in the production shops doing confidential document shredding, firestarter assembling, and sub-contract assembling. Others work in the wood shop making stakes, pallets, and custom wood furniture and décor. Additional clients are employed on mobile janitorial and lawn care crews. Individuals ready for community jobs work with an employment specialist to secure a position ideal for their skill set.
Under new regulations, services provided to individuals with disabilities must be integrated with non-disabled people. Lakestate is re-vamping services to make community integration at minimum wage or higher a priority for all people. For clients not ready for community integrated employment, community based skill building opportunities will be offered based on individual needs.
So how does this change the layout at Lakestate? Lakestate Industries looks forward to a long future providing vocational services. Community based skill building opportunities including classes with real world application will be provided on topics such as appropriate boundaries, communication, humility, time management, team work, career exploration and more.
A Community Living Support program is also being developed. An increased number of clients will be working closely with Employment Specialists to assist them secure employment in the community. More janitorial and lawn care contracts will be secured to provide supported employment and skill building opportunities. There will be a change in the make-up of workers at Lakestate. An integrated work site will be the new look. There will be some workers with disabilities as well as some without barriers and all employees will be earning minimum wage or higher. They will continue to produce the famous Yooper Firestarters, wood furniture and home décor, provide shredding services and sub contract work.
“Lakestate Industries is committed to making these changes to meet the federal guidelines, enhance the lives of those we serve as well as continue to provide goods and services to our communities. Although we may look a little different – the same high quality products and services will be provided” state Cheryl Ohman, Executive Director of Lakestate Industries.
Lakestate is calling on community businesses and volunteer locations in all of Marquette, Alger, Luce, and Delta counties to partner with them and explore opportunities for employment, job shadowing, volunteering, interning or skill building for our clients. “We work with interested businesses to help identify areas of need in their organization and develop vocational opportunities for our clients.” States Andrea Wash, Development and Employment Specialist out of Marquette.
Contact your closest Lakestate Industries office for more information on how to get involved in employment opportunities, to assist with your janitorial, shredding, and specialty wood product needs. Don’t forget to like them on Facebook and explore their products for sale at www.lakestateindustries.org. Escanaba – (906) 786-9212. Marquette – (906) 273-2131.
