This Is My YEAR!:  Youth Employment And Recreation 

Disability Network of Mid-Michigan has received a grant from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, to provide an at-risk youth employment and outdoor recreation program in the city of Saginaw.

Disability Network of Mid-Michigan, in partnership with several area agencies and non-profits, will employ young people, ages 16-19, who qualify for the free school lunch program in the city of Saginaw.  During the summer, eligible youth will spend 20 hours per week participating in pre-employment training, career planning, leadership, skill building, work experiences, and outdoor recreational opportunities. Once school starts, the youth will work 12 hours a week plus 8 hours on one Saturday per month.

Community Partners for this employment and recreation project include: Parishioners on Patrol, S.T.R.I.V.E, Victorious Believers Ministries Community Outreach, the Mexican-American Council, The Michigan Banner, and Bay City State Park.

"Disability Network became the lead partner in this program because of our commitment to helping young people prepare for college and for living independently," said David Emmel, Executive Director at Disability Network of Mid-Michigan. "We know there is a well-established correlation between poverty and disability. And with nearly four in ten people in the city of Saginaw living below the poverty level, this program offers an opportunity for us to empower youth with disabilities and to help them transition successfully into adulthood."

"Summer jobs are an important component in the process of preparing today's students and young adults for tomorrow's workforce," said Terri Cady, Director of Community Outreach and Education at Disability Network. "Meaningful employment helps young people develop the work habits, attitudes, and skills needed for continued success in work and in life. "

"This is an exciting opportunity for the Saginaw community," said Pastor Larry Camel of Parishioners on Patrol. "These experiences will teach young people about work ethic and about employer expectations. In addition, the program will provide participants with knowledge and skills that will enable them to make positive, life-long contributions to the Great Lakes Bay region and the economy."

Return to Top 

Picnic Time!   Wednesday, August 29th 

Our picnic will be at Plymouth Park Pavilions B2 and B3. They are located just north of the Northeast Little League baseball diamonds.  Come celebrate and enjoy sandwiches, salads, and sweets!   

Return to Top 

Park With Disability Network!  

Return to Top 

2012 Compassionate Community Services Fairs in Isabella and Clare Counties   

On Saturday, August 25th from 7:30am - 1pm, members of the Mt. Pleasant community will receive varying services from our local service agencies. The fair is hosted at Community Church at 1400 W. Broomfield.   

Services will include 'Send 'em back with a pack' from CCN, a back to school clothing drive from the Salvation Army, back to school haircuts, manicures, a Mobile Food Pantry from Community Church, and much more.   

Clare County CCN is hosting a similar fair on Tuesday, August 28th.  The fair runs from 11:00am to 4:00pm at the Harrison Lions Club Building (417 Fairlane Rd., Harrison, MI).     

Services will include free lunch and drinks, free haircuts, resource and housing information, a mobile food pantry, children's immunizations, a mobile dentist for kids, and school supplies.  Note some services may require pre-registration.  For the mobile dentist and for school supplies, please call 989-539-4262. For the children's immunizations, please call 989-539-6731 ext. 8214. 

Return to Top 

Important Changes at Dial-A-Ride  

 
Effective August 20, 2012, the City of Midland Dial-A-Ride will begin using new dispatch software. The new software will allow additional pick up times beyond the current booking of rides on the hour and half hour.  

When making reservations riders will be asked for their appointment time for their destination. The computer software will determine a pick up time based on bus availability and other rides already booked. Same day rides will continue to be accepted. All rides will still be booked on a first come, first serve basis.

Riders who have standing order reservations will be notified in advance if their pick up time changes for a current ride reservation.   Riders are asked to contact the Dial-A-Ride office (837-6940) over the next couple weeks to make sure DART has an updated phone number to contact them.

Rides will continue to be scheduled based on plus or minus 10 minutes. This means that if a rider is given a pick up time of 10:10 am the bus will arrive between 10:00 am and 10:20 am. The driver will still be required to wait 2 minutes inside the 20 minute pick up window before moving on to their next rider.

Dial-A-Ride asks passengers for their patience as they embark on this new technology. Dial-A-Ride hopes this new technology will ultimately improve their services and make them more efficient.

If you have any questions please contact Jan Yuergens, Assistant Director of Public Services, at 989-837-6908.

Return to Top 

Legislative Breakfast:  You're Invited!  

You are cordially invited to attend a legislative breakfast sponsored by the Regional Inclusive Community Coalition (RICC) of Central Michigan and Midland County. 

Legislators from Clare, Isabella, Gratiot, and Midland counties have been invited and constituents will discuss current concerns and ideas impacting people with disabilities.   

WHEN:

Friday, September 21, 2012

Registration: 7:30am

Breakfast & Meeting:  8:00am - 10:00am

WHERE:

Central Michigan University

University Center Rotunda

Mt. Pleasant, MI

RSVP:

Contact Disability Network of Mid-Michigan at 989-835-4041 by August 23rd.  Please be sure to let us know if you will need an accommodation to participate.

A RICC is a local, grassroots group of people with developmental disabilities, their friends, and their family members. Memberships also extend to local advocates, community leaders, and service providers.   

Return to Top 

A Winning Combination: Ruby Tuesday Restaurant,  Disability Network of Mid-Michigan, and the National Football League. 

Join us for lunch or dinner at Ruby Tuesday restaurant in Midland on Wednesday, September 5th!   

Ruby Tuesday is extremely proud to be a part of our hometown and they believe in giving back. As part of their Community Give Back Program, Ruby Tuesday will be donating 20% of all table receipts to Disability Network of Mid-Michigan on Wednesday, September 5th, from 11am until 10pm.

What better way to start off the season than great food for a great cause!  Come out to Ruby Tuesday and support Disability Network! 

If you would like to attend, please present this certificate to your server. 

The restaurant is located in the Midland Mall, at 6800 Eastman Avenue. For directions or to view the menu, please visit www.rubytuesday.com.  To make a reservation, please call 989-631-4050. 

Return to Top