Second Chances – A Success Story

A person in a black shirt holds a piece of wood as they drill through it.

Timothy got ready to win when he came into Michigan Works! seeking help to obtain his builder’s license. He had overwhelming barriers to employment, including health and legal issues. These barriers left him unable to get a job when he had a family to support.

Employee Spotlight – Jim Messer

Jim stands against a block wall for a picture.

A 26-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Jim holds a B.S. in Business Administration from CSU, three associate degrees from the Community College of the Air Force in Human Resources, Education and Training Management, and Construction Technology.

Moving Out into the World – A Success Story

William smiles for the camera as he works on a car.

William came to Upper Peninsula Michigan Works! as a participant in one of our Soft Skills classes in the Spring of 2019.  We enrolled William in the beginning of May as an In-School Youth after discussing opportunities for advancement through our programs and services. 

Gov. Whitmer launches bipartisan $30M Michigan Reconnect program

A MI Reconnect social graphic that says, "Eligible for free tuition?"

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joined today with Republican and Democratic legislators to announce the launch of the $30 million Michigan Reconnect program, the largest effort in state history to ensure that more than 4.1 million Michiganders who are 25 or older and do not have a college degree will have an opportunity to earn a tuition-free associate degree or skills certificate.

Medicaid in the Upper Peninsula

Navigating health coverage and work requirements can be confusing, so here’s a simple guide on how the program works and who fills what role:

Medicaid is a health care program funded by the state and federal government that provides health care services to eligible, low-income Michigan citizens, including adults, children, the elderly, pregnant woman, and some people with disabilities.

  • Upper Peninsula Health Plan (UPHP) is a managed care organization licensed by the State of Michigan to provide Medicaid medical services. UPHP helps eligible members access healthcare services, providers, care management, and member support after they are enrolled in Medicaid. They are the only organization of this kind in the Upper Peninsula. 
  • Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) administers Medicaid in Michigan, determines eligibility, manages enrollment through MI Bridges, and oversees Healthy Michigan Plan work requirement policies and exemptions.
  • Upper Peninsula Michigan Works! (UPMW) helps individuals connect with employment, education, training, and career services that may help them meet Healthy Michigan Plan work requirement activities and achieve their employment goals.

To learn more about Medicaid in the U.P, visit UPHP.com.