Better Together: A Work Skills Podcast
Join us as we take a closer look at Work Skills and the people who make this wonderful place happen. On our podcast, we’ll explore the staff, participants, and daily operations of one of the most fascinating organizations in Livingston County. Listen in to learn about our mission and how you can be a part of it.
Episodes

Wednesday Aug 14, 2024
06: Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Wednesday Aug 14, 2024
Wednesday Aug 14, 2024
Join hosts Julie Smith and Stacey Anderson as they chat with Dessie Johnson from Work Skills, and Jake Moyer and Nathan Skulley from the Legacy Center. Dessie, WSC Vocational Assessment Coordinator, shares her passion for optimizing people's potential and placing participants into roles where they learn more than vocational skills. Jake and Nathan discuss how the Legacy Center collaborates with Work Skills, sharing inspiring success stories and emphasizing the positive impact on both WSC participants and Legacy Center employees. Discover the importance of inclusion, socialization, and job mentorship, and how partnering with Work Skills can enrich your organization.
Show Links
To learn more about the Work Skills Foundation check out their links below.
Website: https://wskillsfoundation.org
Donate here!: https://www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=T6W5SDJ5SQZLL
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WskillsFoundation
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvB58IqpYoBV5fm3CL2RUAg
Dessie Johnson - Vocational Assessment Coordinator
dessiej@wskills.com or phone 810.534.6122
Show Links
The Legacy Center - Michigan's Premier Indoor and Outdoor Recreational Sports Facility
Website: https://legacycentermichigan.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legacy_centermi/
X: https://x.com/Legacy_CenterMI?lang=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LegacyCenterMichigan/

Wednesday Jul 10, 2024
05: We Say 'Yes!'
Wednesday Jul 10, 2024
Wednesday Jul 10, 2024
Join hosts Julie Smith and Stacey Anderson as they chat with Todd Michael, Training Services Supervisor, about Employment Services at Work Skills. Discover how they empower individuals with barriers to gain independence and community access through employment, skill-building and support. Learn about the journey to fulfillment, fostering responsibility, and confidence, and how companies can benefit from hiring Work Skills clients. Tune in to hear how Work Skills transforms lives and promotes a sense of belonging. Schedule your visit or tour today!
Show Links
To learn more about the Work Skills Foundation check out their links below.
Website: https://wskillsfoundation.org
Donate here!: https://www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=T6W5SDJ5SQZLL
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WskillsFoundation
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvB58IqpYoBV5fm3CL2RUAg

Wednesday Jun 05, 2024
04: Active Impact: Making a Difference
Wednesday Jun 05, 2024
Wednesday Jun 05, 2024
Join Stacey Anderson with fellow Work Skills Foundation board members Danielle Maj and Rob Johnson for a lively discussion about Livingston County's best-kept secret. They share insights into the foundation’s mission to help people with barriers get the support they need and highlighting their impact on the community. Learn about their active board members, the crucial role of the development committee, and upcoming events aimed at fundraising and spreading their message. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation on making a difference.
Show Links
To learn more about the Work Skills Foundation check out their links below.
Website: https://wskillsfoundation.org
Donate here!: https://www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=T6W5SDJ5SQZLL
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WskillsFoundation
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvB58IqpYoBV5fm3CL2RUAg

Wednesday Jan 17, 2024
03: Therapeutic Triumphs at Work Skills
Wednesday Jan 17, 2024
Wednesday Jan 17, 2024
Join hosts Julie and Stacey in this insightful episode with guests Hannah Tarnaski, Occupational Therapist, and Taylor Picano, Speech-Language Pathologist. Discover the vital roles of Occupational Therapy and Speech Pathology as Hannah and Taylor share real-life success stories and discuss the significance of their clinical services. Gain a deeper understanding of these professions and the impactful work they do to enhance lives.
Show Links
To learn more about the Work Skills Foundation check out their links below.
Website: https://wskillsfoundation.org
Donate here!: https://www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=T6W5SDJ5SQZLL
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WskillsFoundation
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvB58IqpYoBV5fm3CL2RUAg
Work Skills Wish Lists
Website: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/V8YLEHDPG79Q?ref_=wl_share
Website: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/QN79J2E9NIEW?ref_=wl_share
Artisan Corner Wish List
Website: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/YWAN8CH73PQX?ref_=list_d_wl_lfu_nav_8&fbclid=IwAR1xs0oSmLE-S7hdUlZRIX8DDcyarAyiuLlgUAJHgFfiY36gN9O1NzXLBGw

Tuesday Nov 28, 2023
02: Heather’s Story, Our Privilege
Tuesday Nov 28, 2023
Tuesday Nov 28, 2023
Take a journey with us on today's podcast as Stacey and Julie sit down with a Work Skill's participant (Heather) and her mom, Laurie. Their story is one that is filled with hope, opportunity, and care. It's one you won't want to miss! This is one of the many reasons we love what we do at Work Skills.
Show Links
To learn more about the Work Skills Foundation check out their links below.
Website: https://wskillsfoundation.org
Donate here!: https://www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=T6W5SDJ5SQZLL
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WskillsFoundation
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvB58IqpYoBV5fm3CL2RUAg
Guest Links
Heather's Etsy store: https://tinyurl.com/3kyse9uc
Email: LauriePopp21@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lauriepoppC21
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauriepopp/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauriepopp/
Laurie's company: https://sparkandlogic.com/

Tuesday Nov 28, 2023
01: Better Together: Launching a Journey with Work Skills
Tuesday Nov 28, 2023
Tuesday Nov 28, 2023
Welcome to the inaugural episode of 'Better Together,' where host Julie Smith, Development Director from Work Skills in Brighton, Michigan, is joined by Rob Johnson, owner of Wayne Media and Speakeasy Podcast Network. Rob takes us on a journey back to his first encounter with Work Skills, as he highlights the organization. Work Skills, a non-profit dedicated to helping individuals overcome barriers, aims to shed its best-kept-secret status and extend its impact across local counties. Julie shares insights into their expansion plans and emphasizes the need for community involvement to reach more individuals in need. Join us as we explore the transformative stories of lives changed by Work Skills and discover how we can all be 'Better Together.'
Show Links
To learn more about the Work Skills Foundation check out their links below.
Website: https://wskillsfoundation.org
Donate here!: https://www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=T6W5SDJ5SQZLL
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WskillsFoundation
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvB58IqpYoBV5fm3CL2RUAg