In December 2021, Immanual Jackson found himself facing the challenges of being the main income earner for his family after the birth of twin boys and his wife’s inability to work. As a full-time medical student with a demanding schedule, Immanual reached out to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and was enrolled in the Partnership.Accountability.Training.Hope. (PATH) program.
PATH, administered through the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO), assists participants in obtaining and maintaining employment, acquiring job training, and developing self-sufficiency. The program offers work activities, job training, and employability skills, with services provided locally through Michigan Works! Service Centers.
Immanual, facing time constraints, appreciated that Michigan Works! staff accommodated his needs by providing virtual services and even delivering supplies to his home. Beyond job training, PATH staff connected Immanual with community resources to address the needs of his newborns and helped cover the cost of scrubs required for his clinical rounds.
Many PATH participants face barriers such as lack of transportation, job search skills, money for work clothes, and childcare. Completing the program leads to an average annual income increase of $2,000 for participants.
The collaboration between MDHHS and LEO allows PATH to address participants’ comprehensive needs. While LEO focuses on job readiness skills, MDHHS provides services related to health and well-being, creating a holistic approach to supporting Michiganders.
In fiscal year 2023, the PATH program assisted over 8,000 individuals in Michigan, with more than half transitioning successfully into new careers and moving away from public assistance programs. Immanual, with PATH support, completed his medical board exam and graduated from Michigan State University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine, becoming a resident physician of internal medicine at the University of Michigan Health-West. The collaborative efforts of the PATH program exemplify Michigan’s commitment to guiding residents toward promising careers and creating a prosperous future for its workforce and economy.