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Michigan Works Southeast outlines regional workforce reach and local programs to Washington County commissioners
Summary
Michigan Works Southeast told county commissioners its five-county region serves roughly 865,000 people and highlighted local activity at the Washington American Job Center, including more than 7,000 visitors and 700 jobs filled since July 1, 2025. Commissioners pressed the agency on SNAP/MEDICAID work requirements and barriers such as transportation, housing and digital skills.
Washington County commissioners heard a briefing from Michigan Works Southeast on April 15, as that agency outlined program activity across five counties and described local outreach and employer partnerships in Washington County.
Shamar Heron, executive director for Michigan Works Southeast, said the agency covers five counties and emphasized the consortium’s role as fiscal agent and employer of record for its programs. He told the board the region serves roughly 865,000 people and that “about 12% of that population is below the poverty line.”
Johnny Eps, the service center manager for the Washington American Job Center, described local results. “Since July 1 of 2025 we have had over 7,000 visitors to our American Job Center. We also have filled over 700 jobs and we have served 164 unique employers and during that time we have enrolled 561 participants into our programs,” he said.
Misty Schultters, deputy director and interim business services manager for the region, said employer-focused grants helped 334 Washington County workers upskill in 2025 through incumbent-employee training. “OJT [on-the-job training] is a really great opportunity because that results in employment from day one,” she added.
Commissioners used the presentation to press staff on where referrals should be directed and what clients most need. Commissioner Haj asked whether Michigan Works would accept referrals from people who are employed but searching for other work; Johnny Eps said yes. Commissioners and staff also focused on looming policy changes: Heron warned that state-level SNAP and Medicaid work requirements will increase demand, and Misty said unemployment-certification requirements were increasing from one to three weekly job-search activities on July 1.
Board members and staff discussed practical barriers faced by clients. Eps and Misty told commissioners transportation and digital literacy are frequent obstacles, and Misty added that housing instability hinders workforce participation. Heron asked the county to help spread the word about Michigan Works’ services at community events: “We are a resource. We are here to assist,” he said.
What’s next: Michigan Works directors urged commissioners to keep routing people to the service center and to consider whether county outreach can help secure additional state or federal support to meet anticipated demand.
