Our community's investment in United Way changes lives every day.  The people who reach out to support those in need may never have the opportunity to meet those whose lives they touch.  Your donations help to support targeted programs and services to twenty-eight local non-profits.

 

The Arnold Center, a UW partner agency, provides services to create a better quality of life for individuals with disabilities.

 

MEET DOUG SCRIBNER

 

Doug Scribner shared many of the same insecurities and hurdles to finding a job as many other people in our community. In addition, he struggled with overcoming physical limitations from an accident, along with severe anxiety and a lack of career focus.
 
"It was a little scary because I didn't know what the future might hold or how it would work out," shared Doug.
 
After completing counseling through Community Mental Health and with some help from Michigan Rehabilitation Services, Doug was introduced to Myron Davis, a job placement specialist at The Arnold Center.
 
"My role is to assess where a client is today and where they would like to be tomorrow, and help develop the road map to get there," shared Myron. "Doug struggled with a lack of confidence in his abilities, along with not really knowing what he was good at, and how to find a job."
 
The duo began working on interviewing techniques, including what kinds of questions a potential employer might ask and how to maintain good eye contact. As Doug's confidence grew, they spent hours pouring through the paper and online job sites to look at different opportunities. Together, they developed a resume, highlighting Doug's skills.
 
"We realized very quickly that Doug was capable of doing much more than he had done in the past, and began to explore some job training opportunities," shared Myron. "We started meeting at The Arnold Center after hours to work on getting certified on a fork lift. Sitting behind the wheel, you see the spark of self confidence begin to shine."
 
Armed with self-assurance, Doug began to take the initiative in his own job search. His first step included some on-the-job training with a couple of local manufacturers. There he learned the importance of working as part of a team, and began to overcome his fear of not being accepted.
 
In March, Doug was thrilled to hear he had received a job offer from County Connection. Initially, he was responsible for washing the buses every day. As his skills improved and his confidence grew, his duties expanded to include pulling the busses in and out of the garage as well as maintaining the interior of each bus.
 
"It was heart-warming to see a guy who once had a hard time even connecting with people, come out of his shell and share jokes with his coworkers and trade funny stories," shared Myron. "He not only found a great job that utilizes his skills, but people who truly feel like family to him."

"Thank you to everyone who helped me to achieve my goals. Hopefully my story will inspire others to overcome their obstacles and reach for their dreams," shared Doug.
 
Everyone in our community can be a part of making it a better place-that's what it means to be a part of this community and that' what it means to Live United. To find out how you can get involved, contact United Way at 631-3670 or online at www.liveunitedmidland.org.