1. ...1 JOELONDA LOFTON
 2 HELGA SOAVE
► 2 DELONDA MAXWELL-JONES
► 3 STACY RZESZUT
► 3 LINDSAY MCPHAUL
NOVEMBER 2015
CELEBRATING CUSTOMER ACHIEVEMENTS AND THE IMPACT OF MICHIGAN WORKS!
Operated Locally by the Macomb/St. Clair Workforce Development Board
InsideThisIssueInsideThisIssue
1
Taking Advantage of Every OpportunityTaking Advantage of Every Opportunity
Roseville Service CenterRoseville Service Center
Submitted by Renee CooperSubmitted by Renee Cooper
In June 2015, Joelonda Lofton came to the
Roseville Michigan Works! Service Center
as a participant in the Partnership, Account-
ability, Training, Hope (PATH) program.
Joelonda had recently come upon hard
times and reluctantly asked for assistance
from the Department of Health and Human
Services (DHHS).
Although she had an interest in returning
to the medical field, Joelonda was feeling
defeated and losing hope. The PATH case
manager encouraged her to handle one
problem at a time.
PATH was able to support Joelonda in elimi-
nating many barriers that prevented her
from finding sustainable employment. She
received assistance for childcare, allowing
her more time to job search. Clothing
vouchers were also provided for an inter-
view outfit, as well as, local community
resources for adult and children’s clothing.
Joelonda also received a gas stipend
which allowed her to participate in PATH
employment activities.
With the assistance of staff members,
Joelonda created a great résumé and she
diligently looked for employment.
Remaining unemployed and frustrated,
her case manager arranged for a PATH
Community Service activity at St. Vincent
DePaul, where she was a valued volunteer.
Looking for a placement in a medical facility,
the Community Service Specialist arranged
for a contract through TouchPoint with
placement at St. John Hospital.
In October 2015, Joelonda was hired by
TouchPoint for the Dietary Department at St.
John Hospital. She is now earning a good
wage with medical, vacation, and retirement
benefits. While working in the Dietary Depart-
ment, Joelonda says she will, “take advantage
of every opportunity and apply to positions
within the hospital”.
Joelonda credits the assistance she received
throughout the PATH program and the finan-
cial assistance through DHHS with obtaining
her position at St. John Hospital and opening
other opportunities within the medical field.
Joelonda Lofton

2. 2
Helga Soave began her business of formulating natural bath and body care products in her home in Ray, Michigan. She initially sold
her products at local farmer markets and craft shows from 2010-2011.
In 2012, Helga began to take advantage of the resources Macomb County offers employers. She
contacted Macomb County Small Business which partnered her with the Economic Development
and Planning Department along with employment resources from Macomb/St. Clair Michigan
Works! Business Services. Helga explained her business goals and her vision for a Choices Bath and
Body retail front to share her dream of franchising European Style blends of body/face oils and lo-
tions.
In 2014, with the assistance of Jennifer Delano, Business Account Manager with Macomb/St. Clair
Michigan Works!, Helga hired her first employee. The worker’s training was supported through
On-the-Job Training (OJT) with funding from the Workforce Investment Act.
Choices Bath and Body became a reality for Helga in March of 2015 when she opened a retail store
in Shelby Township. Helga now has two employees responsible for blending her unique products
and selling to consumers. Jennifer personally has had the opportunity to experience Helga’s crea-
tions, mixing her own personal blend of essential oils which has helped her to establish a more or-
ganic health regimen.
Choices Bath and Body manufactures natural bath and body care products that do not pollute waterways
or lakes. Choices natural ingredients biodegrade rapidly and are free of sulfates, parabens, and preserva-
tives.
Red Ribbon Cutting Event forRed Ribbon Cutting Event for Choices Bath and BodyChoices Bath and Body
Clinton Township Service CenterClinton Township Service Center
Submitted by Jennifer DelanoSubmitted by Jennifer Delano
Helga Soave
(Second from the left)
Skilled Trades Education Leads to Amazing FutureSkilled Trades Education Leads to Amazing Future
Roseville Service CenterRoseville Service Center
Submitted by Erica DullSubmitted by Erica Dull--KellerKeller
Delonda Maxwell-Jones came to Michigan Works! during a time when lay-offs were at an all-time high in the factories around
the Detroit area. She was raising her young son that had been diagnosed with Autism and also caring for her mother, whom
had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and was very close to her final stage in life. Delonda was desperate!
With a manufacturing background, Delonda decided to pursue an associate’s degree at Macomb Community College (MCC) in
Skilled Trade Manufacturing/ Manufacturing Technology Skilled Trades with a focus on CNC and CAM. Being one of the few
women in the industry, this was an exciting challenge.
While enrolled at MCC, Delonda received tuition assistance plus books and supplies with training
funds from the Workforce Investment Act (WIA). Close to her graduation date, Case Manager,
Erica Dull-Keller, sent Delonda a job lead for Ford Motor Company. Delonda jumped at the oppor-
tunity and was hired in February 2015. Not only did she have a new job, she also earned an Asso-
ciate degree from MCC.
Delonda is now pursuing her Bachelor Degree in Industrial Technology at Ferris State University
with tuition assistance from her employer. Many of the classes are available at MCC for her to
finish this life-long dream. Delonda said the amazing “hands-on” experience at Macomb Commu-
nity College and the Michigan Works! support made this the best college experience she could
ever have had.
Delonda Maxwell-Jones

3. 3
Back on TrackBack on Track
Clinton Township Service CenterClinton Township Service Center
Submitted by Carol H. RobertsonSubmitted by Carol H. Robertson
Stacy Rzeszut worked for Beaumont Hospital for 15 years as a Surgical Technician until she was laid
off. She searched for a job in this field on her own, but was not successful.
Referred to the Clinton Township Michigan Works! Service Center in January of 2015, Stacy was
facing eviction with few resources remaining. Staff assisted her with locating low-income housing as
she began employment search activities. Taking advantage of all the workshops Michigan Works!
provides, Stacey completed the “Circuit” of nine workshops and received her certificate.
In April, 2015 Stacy was hired by Crittenton Hospital in Rochester as a Surgical Technician. She is
happily employed and very grateful for all the help she received from the Michigan Works! staff.
Stacy Rzeszut
Lindsay McPhaul arrived at the Clinton Township Michigan Works! service center in Feb-
ruary 2015 for the Applicant Eligibility Period (AEP) Orientation. This two week program
is the introduction that leads into the Partnership, Accountability, Training, Hope (PATH)
program.
Lindsay completed the WorkKeys assessment with scores that qualified her to consider
training and to receive PATH funded tuition assistance. While working with the Michigan
Works! Training Specialist to explore training options, Lindsay also participated in numer-
ous reemployment workshops and researched appropriate childcare.
With a decision reached and an occupational goal identified, Lindsay was approved for training funds. In April, she
was excited to enroll in the EMT Course at Medstar Medical Education Center. In addition to providing full tuition,
PATH support service funding also supplied the required uniforms for Medstar. Lindsay also expressed a need for
clothing and she was given a clothing voucher to Second Hand Rose.
When September rolled around, Lindsay came in with a smile so big and the sense of accomplishment so obvious,
staff couldn’t help but feel the joy with her. She proudly presented her school Certificate of Completion. Success!
Lindsay continued to aggressively job search and in November 2015, she started new employment as a resident aide
with a 30 hour per week schedule. With this new employment, PATH offered a one-time transitional support service
payment of $200 to assist with work related needs.
PATH to Success!PATH to Success!
Clinton Township Service CenterClinton Township Service Center
Submitted by Marcy GoodwinSubmitted by Marcy Goodwin
Lindsay McPhaul

4. 4
Thank you for supporting theThank you for supporting the
mission of themission of the
Macomb/St. Clair WorkforceMacomb/St. Clair Workforce
Development Board, Inc.Development Board, Inc.
Thank you to the staff of
Michigan Works! for their
customer success story
submissions. Each month,
staff members that submit
a success story will be
entered in a drawing to win
a $25.00 gift card.
YEESSS!....
FOUND ONE!....
October’s Winner
Scott Bolt
Business Account Manager
Port Huron Service Center