Larry’s job means a lot to him.

During a break from his work at Concordance Healthcare Solutions, he talked about all the things he does during the 20 hours a week he spends as a materials handler. His day includes unloading trucks, running the baler, collecting trash, and more. He takes pride in what he does, and in how he trains others on those tasks as well.

“It’s been real good for me here,” Larry said.

He’s been working for Concordance in Kalamazoo for a little over a year. He got the job soon after his graduation from MRC Industries’ skill-building program, which offers support in employment, training and active community involvement for individuals living with disabilities. The McKercher skill-building program is funded by United Way as a strategy to help people build pathways to employment that lead to financial stability. Larry had been out of the competitive work force for six years prior to his time at MRC.

Emma Reist, a former employment training specialist with MRC who worked closely with Larry and had regular check-ins with him at his new place of employment, said he worked hard to meet the goals they set together.

“Larry is very upbeat,” she said. “He is a very positive guy, he’s super helpful, and he really enjoys doing extra tasks at work.”

At MRC, Larry gained experience in warehouse work, which he said prepared him well for his duties at Concordance. He also spent time in a custodial program at MRC, cleaning local businesses.

Now that he’s found a job of his own, he’s hoping to stay for a long time.

“I love it here. Good job, good money,” he said. “I like it here because I like people. Everybody’s been good to me here.”

Organizations such as MRC are critical community partners to United Way because of their perfect alignment to our fundamental purpose; to support the inclusion of all community members in experiences that help them thrive in life, said Nakia Baylis, Community Impact Associate.

“MRC provides programs and services that help our fellow community members that have unique challenges, contribute and thrive similarly to those of us with different challenges,” she said. “United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region supports equitable practices. We understand that equity isn’t only race-based. Equity requires that every member of our community is supported according to their unique needs. MRC is doing this with their program participants every day and we are very pleased to support their work.”

Learn more about United Way’s work in financial stability.