Better Together: A Work Skills Podcast

Julie and Stacey host Michelle Acevedo, Creative Arts Director at Artisan Corner, and volunteer Tianna Rooney to share how the program transforms lives through creativity and community. From Garrett’s inspiring journey—finding his voice and building a micro-business—to Tianna’s successful event supporting local artisans, this conversation highlights the importance of leaning into your passions when you find your place. Artisan Corner empowers individuals with barriers to become professional artists, blending art, entrepreneurship, and connection. Discover how buying art not only supports these talented individuals but also helps grow a vibrant, inclusive community.

 

01:39 Michelle’s Journey to Artisan Corner

04:11 The Growth of Artisan Corner

05:13 Defining Professional Artists

08:24 Garrett’s Transformation

18:27 Tiana’s Passion for Artisan Corner

22:46 The Importance of Community Support

29:27 The Purpose of Artisan Work

31:55 Introducing the WOW Program

34:47 Tiana’s Family and Community Engagement

37:16 The Success of the Art Walk Event

43:55 Art as a Means of Connection

47:39 Supporting Artisan Corner Through Donations

51:51 Creative Projects and Community Impact

57:29 Looking Ahead: Future Events and Initiatives

 

Show Links

To learn more about the Work Skills Foundation check out their links below.

Website: https://wskillsfoundation.org

Donate here!: https://www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=T6W5SDJ5SQZLL 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WskillsFoundation

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvB58IqpYoBV5fm3CL2RUAg

Julie Smith and Stacey Anderson chat with Premium Vision Partners, David Snodgrass, Lake Trusts President and CEO and Rachael Kronberger-Smith, Chief of Staff, about Lake Trust's hands-on support of Work Skills. As a for-impact organization, Lake Trust believes in rolling up their sleeves and getting involved, partnering with mission-driven organizations like Work Skills to invest in the community and do well by doing good.

 

Show Links

To learn more about the Work Skills Foundation check out their links below.

Website: https://wskillsfoundation.org

Donate here!: https://www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=T6W5SDJ5SQZLL 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WskillsFoundation

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvB58IqpYoBV5fm3CL2RUAg

 

Guest Links

Website: https://laketrust.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LakeTrustCreditUnion

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laketrust/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lake-trust-credit-union/

X: https://x.com/laketrust

In this episode, Julie Smith and Stacey Anderson chat with Workskills Artisan Ryan Butler and his mother, Sherilyn, about Ryan’s journey with Work Skills and how he discovered his purpose. They explore the value of finding the perfect fit and the joy of watching others succeed, highlighting that there’s something for everyone at Work Skills.

 

Show Links

To learn more about the Work Skills Foundation check out their links below.

Website: https://wskillsfoundation.org

Donate here!: https://www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=T6W5SDJ5SQZLL 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WskillsFoundation

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvB58IqpYoBV5fm3CL2RUAg

Join hosts Julie Smith and Stacey Anderson as they chat with Dessie Johnson from Work Skills, and Jake Moyer and Nathan Skulley from the Legacy Center. Dessie, WSC Vocational Assessment Coordinator, shares her passion for optimizing people's potential and placing participants into roles where they learn more than vocational skills. Jake and Nathan discuss how the Legacy Center collaborates with Work Skills, sharing inspiring success stories and emphasizing the positive impact on both WSC participants and Legacy Center employees. Discover the importance of inclusion, socialization, and job mentorship, and how partnering with Work Skills can enrich your organization.

 

Show Links

To learn more about the Work Skills Foundation check out their links below.

Website: https://wskillsfoundation.org

Donate here!: https://www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=T6W5SDJ5SQZLL 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WskillsFoundation

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvB58IqpYoBV5fm3CL2RUAg

 

Dessie Johnson - Vocational Assessment Coordinator

[email protected] or phone 810.534.6122

 

Show Links

The Legacy Center - Michigan's Premier Indoor and Outdoor Recreational Sports Facility

 

Website: https://legacycentermichigan.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legacy_centermi/

X: https://x.com/Legacy_CenterMI?lang=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LegacyCenterMichigan/

Join hosts Julie Smith and Stacey Anderson as they chat with Todd Michael, Training Services Supervisor, about Employment Services at Work Skills. Discover how they empower individuals with barriers to gain independence and community access through employment, skill-building and support. Learn about the journey to fulfillment, fostering responsibility, and confidence, and how companies can benefit from hiring Work Skills clients. Tune in to hear how Work Skills transforms lives and promotes a sense of belonging. Schedule your visit or tour today!

 

Show Links

To learn more about the Work Skills Foundation check out their links below.

Website: https://wskillsfoundation.org

Donate here!: https://www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=T6W5SDJ5SQZLL 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WskillsFoundation

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvB58IqpYoBV5fm3CL2RUAg

Join Stacey Anderson with fellow Work Skills Foundation board members Danielle Maj and Rob Johnson for a lively discussion about Livingston County's best-kept secret. They share insights into the foundation’s mission to help people with barriers get the support they need and highlighting their impact on the community. Learn about their active board members, the crucial role of the development committee, and upcoming events aimed at fundraising and spreading their message. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation on making a difference.

 

Show Links

To learn more about the Work Skills Foundation check out their links below.

Website: https://wskillsfoundation.org

Donate here!: https://www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=T6W5SDJ5SQZLL 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WskillsFoundation

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvB58IqpYoBV5fm3CL2RUAg

Join hosts Julie and Stacey in this insightful episode with guests Hannah Tarnaski, Occupational Therapist, and Taylor Picano, Speech-Language Pathologist. Discover the vital roles of Occupational Therapy and Speech Pathology as Hannah and Taylor share real-life success stories and discuss the significance of their clinical services. Gain a deeper understanding of these professions and the impactful work they do to enhance lives.

 

Show Links

To learn more about the Work Skills Foundation check out their links below.

Website: https://wskillsfoundation.org

Donate here!: https://www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=T6W5SDJ5SQZLL 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WskillsFoundation

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvB58IqpYoBV5fm3CL2RUAg

 

Work Skills Wish Lists

Website: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/V8YLEHDPG79Q?ref_=wl_share

Website: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/QN79J2E9NIEW?ref_=wl_share

 

Artisan Corner Wish List

Website: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/YWAN8CH73PQX?ref_=list_d_wl_lfu_nav_8&fbclid=IwAR1xs0oSmLE-S7hdUlZRIX8DDcyarAyiuLlgUAJHgFfiY36gN9O1NzXLBGw

Take a journey with us on today's podcast as Stacey and Julie sit down with a Work Skill's participant (Heather) and her mom, Laurie. Their story is one that is filled with hope, opportunity, and care. It's one you won't want to miss! This is one of the many reasons we love what we do at Work Skills.

 

Show Links

To learn more about the Work Skills Foundation check out their links below.

Website: https://wskillsfoundation.org

Donate here!: https://www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=T6W5SDJ5SQZLL 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WskillsFoundation

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvB58IqpYoBV5fm3CL2RUAg

 

Guest Links

Heather's Etsy store:  https://tinyurl.com/3kyse9uc

Email: [email protected]

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/lauriepoppC21

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/lauriepopp/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauriepopp/

Laurie's company: https://sparkandlogic.com/

Welcome to the inaugural episode of 'Better Together,' where host Julie Smith, Development Director from Work Skills in Brighton, Michigan, is joined by Rob Johnson, owner of Wayne Media and Speakeasy Podcast Network. Rob takes us on a journey back to his first encounter with Work Skills, as he highlights the organization. Work Skills, a non-profit dedicated to helping individuals overcome barriers, aims to shed its best-kept-secret status and extend its impact across local counties. Julie shares insights into their expansion plans and emphasizes the need for community involvement to reach more individuals in need. Join us as we explore the transformative stories of lives changed by Work Skills and discover how we can all be 'Better Together.'

 

Show Links

To learn more about the Work Skills Foundation check out their links below.

Website: https://wskillsfoundation.org

Donate here!: https://www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=T6W5SDJ5SQZLL 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WskillsFoundation

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvB58IqpYoBV5fm3CL2RUAg