Services To Enhance Potential’s Supported Employment Services department promotes employment opportunities for individuals with a disability by providing a number of Employment Placement, Job Development, Job Training, and Job Coaching services. Our training programs include a Certified Janitorial Training Program, Retail Training through our Thrift Store Operations, and General Business Training designed to help an individual adjust to a variety of work settings. Our Workplace to Success Internship Program is designed to help transition the information presented in the classroom to a real-life setting in a workplace. Workplace to Success Internship Program STEP’s Supported Employment Services Department works to help individuals explore, prepare for, and become successful at a job of their choice, through training opportunities, education and outreach with community businesses, and ongoing support. These workplace internships permit individuals to experience what working in a variety of settings, including experience in Custodial, Housekeeping, Food Service, Day Care and more. As our Workplace To Success paid internship program continues to develop new partnerships with local companies, we have seen many successful outcomes in increased employment opportunities,
both from our host sites and in related businesses. Employment Partners Many of the successes that participants achieve are due in part with the highly dedicated and supportive business partners. These partners employ individuals with a disability, participate in job development activities including mock job interviewing, serve as one of our host sites for our Workplace to Success Internship Program, or serve as an advocate to help promote the employment of individuals with a disability.
Our Employment Partners include: Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Michigan, DTE, Henry Ford Village,
Staybridge Suites, Kroger, Comerica Park, and many, many more. Environmental Services Work Crews Services To Enhance Potential currently has over 30 sites where individuals with a disability provide Custodial services. These Environmental Services Work Crews employ over 60 individuals who are earning above minimum wage. The on-the-job training that each individual receives is extremely valuable to their long term success. Many of the individuals who have worked in an
Environmental Work Crew have gone on to work in the janitorial field. Thrift Store and Donation Centers Service(s) to Enhance Potential operates a number of Thrift Stores to help promote and train individuals with a disability. Each of the associates working at one of the Thrift Stores have a disability and are earning above minimum wage. More experienced associates serve as Lead Associates to help mentor other associates. Employment opportunities at the stores include shorter Work Trials, Paid Work Internships, Worksite Evaluations, and Longer Term employment. Each of these opportunities are designed specifically to benefit the individual.
Since 2007, the retail experience presented at our
Thrift Stores have resulted in a number of successes for the individuals served. Michigan Rehabilitation Services and Bureau of Services for Blind Persons Services To Enhance Potential values its relationship with Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) and the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (BSBP). Our services include Job Placement, Job Coaching, Work Site Follow-up and Evaluation, and a variety of Training Services including Janitorial, Retail and Basic Business services. Transportation can also be provided for these services. Micro-Enterprises Services To Enhance Potential appreciates the entrepreneur in everyone, including those with a disability. To help promote and support individuals who have a desire to develop opportunities to work for themselves, a fund has been created to provide no-interest loans to individuals. Throughout its existence, thousands of dollars have been provided to individuals who have created successful micro-enterprises. A number of our entrepreneurs have micro-enterprises who participate in a variety of community events, including farm markets, art fairs, and other events.    

Services To Enhance Potential partners with a number of public school districts to assist students and families transitioning from the school system. Our team of Employment and Business Representatives and Support Coordinators can help lessen the anxiety during this critical time. The employment representatives can help identify community based and/or vocational based programming. Support Coordinators can begin to work with the student prior to graduation or completion to help prepare the student and their family for post-school life. They can assist with the linking and coordinating of Community Mental Health Services, Benefit Planning, Housing Assistance, and other needed services. Project SEARCH Our Project SEARCH Program permits students currently enrolled in a public school an opportunity to spend their last year of high school in a blended classroom and worksite environment. This blended services permits the student to graduate with one full class year of worksite experience in a field that is of interest to them. Our current program includes a partnership with Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Michigan,
DTE, and Henry Ford College, with a few more under development. These host sites permit a student to experience a variety of work experiences during the student’s final year of education. With a job placement rate of over 80%,
the program can be quite beneficial for its participants. School Transition & School to Work Services Through our Transitions Services, our team of specialists assist the student in choices post-school. Our Support Coordinators and  Employment Representatives can work individually or as a team to help the transition. Our Employment Representative can help identify employment training and placement opportunities to fit the desires of student. Support Coordinators can work with the transition support
staff from the School and the student’s parents to help link the student with Community Mental Health Services, Benefit Planning,
Housing Assistance and other needed services. Community & Vocational Based Skill Building Eligible Students can transition to a program designed to help integrate the student into the community where they live. Our Community Skill Trainers help design and promote community based opportunities for individuals with a disability and/or a mental illness including social, recreational, and volunteer based opportunities. Understanding that some students may desire services that include Community and Vocational Based services, our team can design a program that could include both services. We have Resource Centers in Detroit (2), Dearborn (2), Livonia and Wayne. A variety of classroom trainings are also provided at a few of our community based programs including our Thrift Stores and our Made in the Market program. Work experiences can be provided at one of our Workplace to Success Intern Sites, one
of our Thrift Stores or on one of our Environmental Work Crews.

Made in the Market Opened in 2012 and located in the heart of Detroit’s Eastern Market District, STEP’s Made in the Market Program helps integrate individuals with a developmental disability or a mental illness into the community. Led by a licensed chef, the program educates the participants on a variety of healthy lifestyle topics, including proper eating habits, food prep and clean up. Each participant purchases items from local food and produce vendors, prepare a meal with these items,  and enjoy lunch while celebrating their achievement. Four days each week, adults with developmental disabilities head to Eastern Market for a day full of
planning menus, shopping for fresh ingredients, cooking and enjoying a meal together.
For some of these adults, they are learning about nutrition and cooking to prepare them for a career in
the food industry. For others, they just enjoy cooking, the company and eating. Art In The Market STEP has installed an Art Education program to service five unique locations including the Made In the Market studio/gallery location in Detroit’s Eastern Market. The program goal is to improve communication skills for the consumers to improve the quality of their lives and their potential for productive work skills. The program fosters independence by acknowledging
accomplishment, practicing motor skills, developing critical thinking while learning and adhering to
process. The program puts a great deal of focus on learning the fundamentals of communication through
art: color theory, shape, pattern, perspective and content. As our program matures we are introducing
concepts of craftsmanship, the pride of complete ideas, as well as, admiration for the accomplishment
of others. The weekly program offers a chance for young artists to experience self-expression and also work in a
structure that will give them the opportunity to exhibit and possibly profit from their work. DREAM The Downriver Employment and Activity Milestones (DREAM), is a community activity and volunteer program for developmentally disabled adults. The object of the program is to give individuals the opportunity to not only access their community, but to become involved. Each individual has the opportunity to choose what they wish to experience on a daily basis. This can range from community inclusion to volunteering and investigating the types of employment in their community. Participants are
not only encouraged to do activities in their community, but to engage the public at large. The DREAM program promotes life and social skills through various community activities such as bowling, Wally Ball, exploring local parks,
fit club, library access and special events. DREAM volunteers can also be found at
Gleaners Food Bank, Meals on Wheels, local churches and animal rescues. Volunteer Sites STEP is involved in bringing clients to a number of volunteer sites for activities meant to better their community as a whole. These places vary from The Light House Mission, Wayne Public Library, Meals on Wheels, St. Vincent de Paul, Belleville Library, Focus Hope, and more. The tasks performed in each of these places can vary, but it is always with the goal of creating a personal connection between people and the communities that they live and work in.

Services To Enhance Potential, as a credentialed service provider with the Detroit Wayne Mental Health Authority, partners with other Service Providers throughout Wayne County to provide needed Community Mental Health Services to the most vulnerable population. Service Providers throughout Wayne County rely on the exceptional services we provide. Our Support Coordinators work closely with partners to assure services are provided timely and opportunities are developed. Our Community Based and Vocational Skill Building services provide a choice of opportunities for consumers.   Support Coordination Services To Enhance Potential’s dedicated and experienced Supports Coordinator help promote the independence of each of the consumer’s lives by assisting with a variety of services including but not limited to; housing services, benefit planning, case management, and health services. The relationships built with the consumer and their parents and guardians have resulted a number of impressive outcomes for the consumers served. Year after year the Consumers served are surveyed on the level of care provided. Our Supports Coordinator continuously receive scores above 95% in satisfaction. Community Based Skill Building Community Skill Trainers help design and promote community based opportunities for individuals with a disability and/or a mental illness. Activities designed to promote Community Inclusion include social, recreational, and volunteer based opportunities. Vocational Based Skill Building Our Vocational Based Skill Building Program is designed to assist an individual with a developmental disability or mental illness with gaining valuable workplace skills. These services are provided within one of our six (6) Resource Centers. We have Resource Centers in Detroit (2), Dearborn (2), Livonia and Wayne. A variety of classroom trainings are also provided at a few of our community based programs including our Thrift Stores and our Made in the Market program. Supported Employment Our Business and Employment Representatives are tasked with working with business partners in the community to help develop work opportunities for individuals with a developmental disability or a mental illness. Informational classes are conducted routinely at Resource Centers and throughout the community to help promote interest in working in the community. Our representatives develop consumer focused vocational work plans to help consumers succeed in the employment setting. Job coaches are
often utilized and help promote a positive working relationship with STEP Staff, the employee and the
employer. Work readiness and skill specific training opportunities are provided to consumers prior to and
during employment to assure long lasting employment. Senior Services Meals on Wheels, St. Vincent de Paul, Belleville Library, Focus Hope, and more. The tasks performed in each of these places can vary, but it is always with the goal of creating a personal connection between
people and the communities that they live and work in.

Detroit Wayne Mental Health Authority (DWMHA) We offer services to persons living in Wayne County.  Through our contractual relationships with DWMHA and Community Living Services (CLS), we are provided funding for services for persons with Developmental Disabilities and Mental Illness. If you are interested in obtaining services from us or another program in Wayne County, and not already enrolled with DWMHA, you must first call a Your Choice Counselor at the DWMHA at 888-490-9698.  You will be provided with information to start the enrollment process. If you need assistance, please contact one of our Resource Centers, where someone can assist you.   MCPN Telephone Numbers Detroit Clark St. Offices
2524 Clark St., Detroit MI 48290  313-554-2800 Detroit Mack Office
19251 Mack Ave. Suite 525,
Detroit MI 48236 313-886-8275 Detroit Grand River Office
17411 Grand River Ave., Detroit MI 48227 313-270-2707 Taylor Office
20500 Eureka Rd., Suite 210,
Taylor MI 48180  734-285-2707 Livonia Office
30246 Plymouth Rd., Suite B,
Livonia MI 48150 734-524-2424 Michigan Rehabilitation Services We are a service provider of Michigan Rehabilitation Services. If you are a person with a disability who is interested in a job or becoming self-employed call your local MRS office.  After you qualify a Counselor will be more than happy to offer you a choice of services through a number of service providers Bureau of Services for Blind Persons We are also a service provider for the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons.  If you are eligible for services through BSBP, our Employment and Training staff can assist in coordinating services.  If you are not currently enrolled you can contact one of the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons offices.

Job Placement   Our focus is upon person-centered job development and satisfaction. Our consumers tell us they are very satisfied with our services. We will help you find a job which matches your interests and experience. Together we will determine your background, interests, abilities, preferences, and resources. We will help you develop an employment plan in which you will assume as much responsibility as possible. Some of the things we will help you with include developing an employment plan, preparing your resume, job lead development, i.e., locating and contacting prospective employers, writing employment applications and cover letters, go with you to the interview if asked, find transportation, assist in obtaining a physical, TB or other tests, other as required by the employer, identifying and negotiating accommodations including job carving and assistive technology, referring and coordinating with employment related services, e.g., the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth – Michigan Rehabilitation Services. We have a 35-year history of job development for persons with developmental disabilities in Wayne County. We are accredited by CARF, the Rehabilitation Accreditation Commission, for Employment Services Coordination and for Job Development, Job-Site Training, and Job Supports in the Community Employment Services category. We maintain a variety of contracted, supervised, community-based worksites affording opportunities for job trials, skills assessment, and ongoing employment in a group setting.   BECOME A PARTNER STEP has been helping employers find qualified, dependable employees for more than 30 years! We are dedicated to helping employers find qualified applicants for their job openings and will do everything we can to insure their success. We can provide at no cost to you: Skill assessment and training to meet your needs Help to identify your employment needs Technical assistance and training to help with employee retention and promotional opportunities. On the job training through our Tried and True thrift stores, at your location, or at our resource centers. Ongoing support after employment starts. We care about the success of your business as well as your employee. Assistance with possible tax credits  Companies that hire and accommodate people with disabilities in their workplace may receive tax benefits of the WOTC – Work Opportunity Partner Today