Peckham receives $2 million grant for rehabilitative youth and young adult programs

FLINT, Michigan — More youth and young adults will be able to receive education, job training, and paid work experiences with Peckham, thanks to a $2 million grant from the United States Department of Labor. Peckham, a nonprofit founded in 1976, is one of the state’s largest vocational rehabilitation organizations. This additional funding will allow the company to launch the Growth Opportunities (GO) Program.

With money disbursed over the next 42 months, Peckham, based in Flint and Lansing, will be able to prepare corrections-involved youth and young adults for the job force. This program aims to provide support for local youth, and provide resources like identifying career paths, education and credentials, training, and paid work opportunities. 

James Caleb Adams, chief of human services at Peckham, says this program is unique in their target audience, typically overlooked. 

“Rehabilitative programs for young people tend to stop at age 18,” said Adams. “The GO Program aims to fill that gap. We are targeting youth and young adults who have been at the center of gun violence or who have experienced significant trauma. The program will focus on helping individuals discover themselves, what they want to do in life, and develop healthy personal and professional relationships.”

Peckham works with over 30 different rehabilitation and human services programs and partnering agencies, assisting those with physical, cognitive, behavioral, and socio-economic challenges. Participants can receive help with job readiness skills, resume development, interviewing tips, tailored job searches, and developing interpersonal and coping skills needed for job retention. 

Current youth programming includes Footprints Residential Program, Ready to Achieve Mentoring Program (RAMP), Right Turn, Youth Career Academy, and Peckham Trades Academy. These community-based programs range from short-term, residential treatment facilities, to career-focused mentoring programs, and transitional career development programs tailored to at-risk youth and their families. 

Working in tandem with Michigan Department of Corrections Region 6, Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, Genesee County 7th District Court, Juvenile Division, and Without Walls Outreach, Peckham hopes the GO program can continue its impactful mission.

“The program aims to give youth hope by helping them develop skills and assets to improve their futures and ultimately, live the life they want to live,” said Adams. 

Voted a ‘Great Place to Work’ for nine consecutive years, the award-winning organization is often recognized for its achievement in creating and nurturing exceptional vocational rehabilitation, inclusive cultures, and quality workplaces.

The GO program marks the latest youth-centric launch within the company serving five different business lines in the state, and has expanded to include additional operations in Arizona and Kentucky.

For more information about Peckham, Inc., visit: peckham.org