[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 84 (Thursday, May 18, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E469]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING WORK SKILLS CORPORATION FOR 50 YEARS OF SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELISSA SLOTKIN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 18, 2023

  Ms. SLOTKIN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the 50th anniversary 
and the life-changing work of Work Skills Corporation in Brighton, 
Michigan. For the past half-century, this non-profit has empowered and 
enriched the lives of people with disabilities and other barriers by 
providing meaningful employment and both educational and artistic 
opportunities.
  It's been said that necessity is the mother of invention, but in the 
case of Work Skills, its creation was the work of both mothers and 
fathers, motivated by both necessity and love. In the early 1970s, a 
group of parents of children with disabilities saw very few options 
after high school to support their children, so they created the 
opportunities we celebrate today.
  In 1973, they officially founded Work Skills Corporation, with the 
goal of creating innovative training and vocational programs to allow 
participants to identify skills and perform real work for competitive 
pay. In so doing, the programs offered benefits to participants, 
employers, and the community at large.
  In 1978, Work Skills Corporation moved to a larger location on Weber 
Street to expand services, as the organization's person-centered 
approach to vocational assessment, training, and job placement programs 
flourished and evolved. Soon after, Work Skills Corporation established 
its first account with General Motors, a relationship that continues 
today. It was also at the Weber Street building where Work Skills 
Corporation first received accreditation from the Commission on 
Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, a demonstration of 
commitment to continuous improvement Work Skills has maintained to this 
day.
  By 1981, Work Skills Corporation had outgrown its space again and 
moved to its current location on Summit Street to accommodate a larger 
portfolio of community and business opportunities and increased demand 
for services. Work Skills Corporation partnered with Brighton Area 
Schools to offer on-site adult education classes, developed a custodial 
training program and was awarded contracts with the Michigan Department 
of Transportation, and provided mailroom services for Detroit Diesel 
Corporation.
  Today, Work Skills Corporation has evolved to operate nine distinct 
service lines, and has enriched the lives of more than 50,000 
participants who have collectively earned more than $25 million through 
meaningful work opportunities and artistic commissions.
  For 50 years, Work Skills Corporation has helped people with 
disabilities create a pathway to economic opportunity, equity, and 
advancement. As a result, we are a more vibrant, inclusive, and 
supportive community, and I express my profound gratitude and best 
wishes for the future.

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