Volunteers of America Michigan Named Community Employer of the Year By Peckham, Inc.

Volunteers of America Michigan Named Community Employer of the Year by Peckham Inc.

Award honors top community employer of people with disabilities or other barriers to employment.

Volunteers of America Michigan (VOAMI), a nonprofit that serves veterans, seniors and families in need throughout Michigan, was recently named the Community Employer of the Year by Peckham, Inc., a nonprofit vocational rehabilitation organization that provides paid job training opportunities for people with disabilities and other barriers to employment. The honor specifically recognized the work of Volunteers of America Michigan South Lansing Thrift Store (5411 S. Cedar St., Lansing, Mich. 48911) and Store Manager Angie Brown for outstanding commitment to productive hiring and workforce development. This is the first time Volunteers of America Michigan has received the honor from Peckham, Inc. which was presented at Peckham Inc.’s annual board meeting. VOAMI’s South Lansing Thrift Store has employed five people with disabilities or other barriers to employment that are served by Peckham Inc. Proceeds from every purchase at Volunteers of America Michigan Thrift Stores supports social services for veterans, seniors, and families in that community. For a video on the Peckham Award, click here.

Since October 2024,

the South Lansing VOAMI Thrift Store hired five Peckham candidates – four individuals in the Supported Employment Program and one person from the Job Placement Program. Both programs are in partnership with Michigan Rehabilitation Services. Candidates’ roles and responsibilities with the VOAMI Thrift Store include supporting workflow and productivity as well as managing logistics and inventory. Through the guidance of Angie Brown, the South Lansing VOAMI Thrift Store team led these employees in job matching strategies by aligning employee strengths with job roles, peer mentorship, onboarding support to help new hires integrate successfully, and hands-on work experience opportunities that allow candidates to explore roles before committing.

Peckham Employment Specialist Shayla Packer said, “This partnership exemplifies how inclusive hiring, strategic workforce planning, and skill development can create sustainable employment solutions that benefit businesses and job seekers alike. Angie Brown has built an incredible team of colleagues who are natural supporters and are willing to step up and assist when needed. Our clients feel a sense of belonging when they become part of Volunteers of America Michigan.”

VOAMI President and CEO Aubrey Macfarlane said,

“We are so proud of Angie and our South Lansing Volunteers of America Michigan Thrift Store Team for the incredible impact they are making through our partnership with Peckham Inc. For over 125 years, our organization has been the one that serves to meet community need. Our relationship with Peckham shows that this can be reciprocal. The individuals whom we have hired from Peckham have been irreplaceable members of our team.”

For additional information on Volunteers of America Michigan visit www.voami.org.

About Volunteers of America Michigan

Volunteers of America Michigan, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency, specializes in providing critical services, shelter and food for veterans, affordable housing for aging seniors, and supportive services for struggling families, and operates six Thrift Stores in Michigan. For over 125 years, they have been empowering veterans, seniors, and families across the state of Michigan. Their work touches the mind, body, heart – and ultimately the spirit – of those they serve, integrating their deep compassion with highly effective programs and services. To learn more, visit www.voami.org.

About Peckham, Inc.

Peckham is a nonprofit vocational rehabilitation organization that provides paid job training opportunities for people with disabilities and other barriers to employment. For 48 years, Peckham has provided jobs and job skills training to thousands of individuals with barriers through five different business lines throughout Michigan, with additional operations in Phoenix, Arizona, and London, Kentucky. For more information on Peckham, Inc., visit www.peckham.org. Peckham, Inc. has been named a Great Place to Work for ten consecutive years. This national award-winning organization is recognized for its achievement in providing exceptional vocational rehabilitation, creating inclusive cultures, and building quality workplaces for employees.