Organization Name: Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation (DESC) / Detroit at Work
Executive Leader / Title: Terri Weems – Interim President and Special Advisor to the Mayor for Workforce
Website: https://descmiworks.org/
Tell us about your organization’s mission and the communities you serve.
Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation (DESC) serves as the workforce development agency for the City of Detroit and leads Detroit at Work, the city's workforce system. Our mission is to empower Detroit residents by connecting them to career opportunities, education, training, and supportive services that help individuals achieve long-term economic success.Through Detroit at Work, we serve job seekers and employers, and collaborate with civic, corporate, philanthropic and community partners to help connect talent businesses ready to hire and train. We support employers in building a skilled workforce and help individuals move to the middle class so that they can sustain lucrative careers and create thriving communities.
What are the key services and programs you offer?
Detroit at Work offers a wide range of workforce development services designed to support residents at every stage of their career journey.For jobseekers, we offer comprehensive career coaching, educational and training opportunities, supportive services and more. Additionally, Detroit at Work operates multiple career centers throughout Detroit, where residents can access our computer labs, in-person workshops, personalized career coaching and supportive services.For youth ages 14-24, programs such as Grow Detroit's Young Talent (GDYT) connect youth to summer work experiences and work-readiness training.For large and small sized employers: we host job fairs, produce career fairs, and provide a comprehensive talent strategy to help best meet their needs.Strategy and management of the following initiatives and programs:
• OhioMeansJobs Columbus Franklin County One Stop Job Center
• Achieve More and Prosper (CCMEP) Program for Franklin County
• Healthcare Career Collaborative of Central Ohio (HCCOCO) Healthcare Industry Sector Partnership
• Apprentice Hub of Central Ohio
• Central Ohio Workforce Development Network
Can you share a success story or impactful moment from your work?
One of the most rewarding aspects of our work is witnessing the long-term impact workforce development can have on individuals, families, and communities. Recently, our longtime employer partner, Marriott Hotel International (Detroit) received the Michigan Works! Impact Award because of their commitment to hiring Detroiters. They work with our team to host job fairs almost monthly and have conducted hundreds of hires.Soon, a Success Story initiative will relaunch, chronicling the journeys of Detroit residents whose lives have been positively impacted by Detroit at Work initiatives such as career coaches, hiring fairs, training and youth programs.
MUS Membership & Collaboration:
DESC has participated in several grant awards in partnership with MUS and other MUS members including the USDOL Growth Opportunities (GO) program. Through the GO program DESC enrolls 18-24-year-old justice involved/impacted young adults and provides them with comprehensive growth focused case management, real-world work experience, and supportive services to prepare them to become competitive additions to their local labor markets.DESC, Detroit at Work joined Midwest Urban Strategies because we believe that collaboration is essential for addressing workforce challenges and creating equitable opportunities for job seekers.MUS brings together workforce development leaders from across the Midwest to share best practices, strengthen partnerships, and identify innovative solutions that support workers, employers, and communities. The opportunity to learn from peer organizations and contribute to regional workforce conversations helps to inform our growth.ties to learn and grow alongside peer workforce leaders.
How has being a part of MUS benefited your organization so far? Our membership has provided valuable opportunities to connect with workforce professionals facing similar challenges and opportunities across the region.Through MUS, we have gained insights into regional workforce strategies, strengthened relationships with partner organizations, and participated in conversations that help shape innovative approaches to workforce development. These shared learnings help us continuously improve services and outcomes for Detroit residents and employer partners.